GLASGOW, U.K. -- Metconnex, a leader in the delivery of wavelength selective switch (WSS) modules for use in reconfigurable optical add/drop multiplexers (ROADMs) will showcase its product portfolio’s advantages in performance and size at the European Conference on Optical Communications.

Metconnex will jointly present test results from the successful cascading of 16 WSS/ROADM modules at 40 Gbps. The tests were conducted using the company’s 1x9 WSS modules at the European high speed test bed, PERSYST (Platform for tEst and Research on optical telecommunications SYSTems). Metconnex had previously highlighted results of 32 cascaded WSS modules in a 10 Gbps system test bed in an ECOC 2004 post deadline paper coauthored by Alcatel. These activities were conducted in direct response to the growing service provider demand for wavelength selective switched-based ROADMs.

"Aggressive triple-play service deployment led by video is driving the need for metro ROADMs and future 40G support", said Ron Kline, research director for optical networks at Ovum-RHK and author of several ROADM business and technology reports. "In North America, multiple RBOCs and MSOs are expected to begin ROADM deployments within the next 12 months. By supporting 40G and enabling scalability to multi-degree nodes, WSS-based ROADMs are an attractive option for these service providers looking to protect network investments and reduce total cost of ownership.”

Metconnex will also demonstrate compatibility of the market’s smallest WSS with PICMG*’s AdvancedTCA300* specification for next generation telecommunications equipment. This Advanced Telecom Computing Architecture specified by the PCI Industrial Computer Manufacturers Group (PICMG) is an open industry specification for carrier grade equipment. Unlike alternative solutions, Metconnex’s 1x4 and 1x9 products’ compact form factor enables system and subsystem suppliers to house two modules on a single ATCA300 compliant blade, minimizing ROADM costs and maximizing slot capacity.

“Our compact footprint, 40G support, and performance over attenuation are key strengths enabling us to capture significant design wins," said David King, Metconnex’s vice president marketing and business development. “We have combined the cost advantages of integrated planar lightwave circuit (IPLC) ROADMs with the performance and functionality of WSS to create a winning portfolio uniquely tailored to metro applications.”

Metconnex