RESTON, Va. -- Siemens Information and Communication Networks Inc. has introduced an important enhancement to its Optisphere MTS 2 Multi-Haul dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) solution that apparently enables carriers to significantly reduce provisioning times for wavelengths. The MTS 2 Optical Performance Analyzer (OPA) automates what previously had been a labor-intensive process. Initial commissioning and channel upgrades can be accomplished fully automatically and usually in a matter of minutes rather than hours or days as before. Once additional wavelength transponders are installed, the pre-emphasis procedure can be initiated via a simple-to-use GUI interface. The OPA card will automatically equalize the power required for new or additional channels and the other channels currently being used. Per channel pre-emphasis is accomplished usually in a matter of seconds without service interruption to existing channels. In addition to automatic pre-emphasis, the MTS 2 OPA provides on-demand analysis of optical performance of any wavelength. This enables carriers to monitor and set parameters on wavelength performance - an important component of service guarantees. "The new provisioning capabilities the OPA brings to the MTS 2 enable carriers to more rapidly and accurately provision the wavelengths needed to support new customer services usually in minutes, an important edge in the highly competitive telecommunications market," said Alan Gibbemeyer, director of product line management for Optical Networking at Siemens. Siemens Information and Communications Networks Inc.