Intel Boosts MAN Capacity

LONDON -- Intel Corporation today introduced optical networking products that help reduce the cost and increase capacity of Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs), the IntelR TXN13500 8-Channel Tunable DWDM Optical Transceiver and the IntelR IXF30009 Optical Transport Processor. This solution uses tunable lasers to enable dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) systems to divide light signals into multiple wavelengths or "channels" that each carry 10 Gigabits of data per second over a single strand of fibre. DWDM, the process of splitting light into multiple channels, enables telecommunications carriers and Internet service providers to extend the reach of existing networking equipment in MANs, saving the time and cost of installing additional fibre. The TXN13500 transceiver and IXF30009 processor together provide OEMs with a complete DWDM line card solution that supports multiple data rates from 9.95 to 11.1 Gbps, enabling use in 10-Gigabit Ethernet networks, OC-192 SONET/SDH networks and Optical Transport Networks (OTN), the three primary optical networking protocols used in the telecom industry today. DWDM line cards are used to increase bandwidth capacity in add-drop multiplexers, DWDM terminals and metro and long-haul transport applications. "By combining support for multiple protocols with tunable laser technology, Intel is reducing service providers' inventory carrying costs and spares requirements by up to eight times," said Gordon Hunter, vice president, Intel Communications Group and general manager, Optical Products Group. "Since we offer a complete DWDM line card solution, OEMs can avoid the difficulties of troubleshooting mixed-vendor solutions and focus on helping their carrier customers reduce capital and operating expenses." Intel Corp.