Metrobility Intros BWDM for GigE

MERRIMACK, N.H. -- Metrobility Optical Systems, a leading provider of intelligent, carrier-class optical Ethernet solutions, today introduced the Bi-directional Wavelength Division Multiplexer (BWDM) for Gigabit Ethernet. BWDM utilizes two separate wavelengths to carry two distinct channels in different directions on a single strand of fiber, thus doubling the capacity of the fiber. The new Gig-E BWDM product can reduce the service provider’s cost by requiring fewer fiber strands to service the same number of customers. Gig-E BWDM also simplifies installation since the installer no longer needs to trace two separate receive and transmit connections. BWDM converts electrical signals to wavelengths on a single strand of fiber, and provides a manageable, cost effective solution to achieve distances up to 20km. At one end of the connection one wavelength (e.g., 1310nm or 1550nm) is used to transmit, and another wavelength (e.g., 1310nm or 1550 nm) is used to receive. The BWDM capability was originally introduced in May, 2002 for Metrobility’s 100Mbps products. Like their Fast Ethernet counterparts, the Gig-E BWDM include troubleshooting features such as Link Loss Return and Link Loss Carry Forward and may be managed through the company’s workstation-based NetBeacon Element Manager or browser-based WebBeacon Element Manager.“We have not yet seen this type of solution for Gigabit Ethernet available in the industry,” said Alex Saunders, president and CEO of Metrobility Optical Systems. “As a pioneer in launching new technologies for optical Ethernet, we believe that many businesses will choose this BWDM solution as a cost effective alternative to installing additional fiber, especially for broadband applications between buildings or in the metro access.” Metrobility Optical Systems