SAN DIEGO & CALABASAS, Calif. -- AirFiber, Inc., a developer of carrier-class free-space optical networking equipment, and Alcatel (NYSE: ALA) today announced an agreement to offer a comprehensive metropolitan area network system based on free-space optic technology. Under terms of an OEM agreement, AirFiber will incorporate its free-space optical networking equipment and fully support Alcatel's OmniAccess 408 and OmniStack 5024 switches. AirFiber establishes the first-ever complete free-space optical networking system in the industry with the ability to provide service interfaces such as voice, T1/E1, Ethernet, transparent LAN, and Fast Ethernet to customers within a multi-tenant building. AirFiber's free-space optical networking technology provides access into the building without the need for fiber installation, while Alcatel's OmniAccess and OmniStack switches distribute advanced network services throughout the building. "Now telecommunications carriers can quickly and easily deploy a fully-supported and reliable metro area network based on free-space optics with service interfaces ranging from Ethernet to T1," said Brett Helm, CEO of AirFiber. "We've found that carriers need a way to quickly and cost effectively distribute high-bandwidth broadband services to buildings. This integration gives them that ability at a significantly lower cost, without the hassle of leasing or negotiating for unbundled loops."AirFiber Inc.Alcatel SA