DALLAS -- Xtera Communications, Inc. (“Xtera”), a leading global provider of optical networking solutions, today announced the launch of a next-generation optical repeater for subsea cable systems. This enhances Xtera’s well-established portfolio of solutions for subsea cable systems, putting Xtera in a position to offer a range of elements on a full turnkey basis that will allow service providers to build high performance and highly reliable submarine cable systems with significantly improved reach and capacity. A modular optical design allows the amplifiers to be tailored to different system requirements, with variants covering both short regional systems and very long transoceanic systems; another variant offers an optical bandwidth extending well beyond the normal EDFA C-band. Powering is also improved, with high efficiency drivers allowing the line current to be tuned to close to the optimum, thus reducing the overall voltage. The overall design enables a simplified manufacturing process, while still maintaining a very strong focus on reliability and value. The repeater is constructed from marine grade titanium, resulting in a very light and exceptionally strong unit that can be deployed to water depths of 8 km. It is also sufficiently small that it can pass directly through a plough during burial operations – making it easier to handle during laying and assembling. Xtera Communications Inc.