Xtellus Intros WSS

MORRIS PLAINS, N.J. -- Xtellus, a leading supplier of advanced ROADM technology for metro and long-haul optical networking, announced today the availability of the WSS-11000 – a 10-port wavelength selective switch (WSS) ROADM module for C & L-band networks. Based on the same liquid crystal technology platform as Xtellus’ wavelength blocker 9000, which is extensively deployed for add/drop ROADM applications, the WSS-11000 delivers to the ROADM switching market the same cost-effective, uncompromising standard of performance. Supporting both 9x1 and 1x9 switching configurations, the WSS-11000 exhibits the industry’s best optical performance for all ports even under attenuation. This addition to Xtellus’ product line gives network equipment suppliers a single source for high-performance switch and add/drop ROADM modules.

“Leveraging the strengths of the WB-9000’s liquid crystal-based design allows us to better meet the performance demands of today’s DWDM networks and even emerging 40G systems with an easily manufactured WSS,” said Tom Dudley, president and CEO of Xtellus. “With the addition of the WSS-11000, our innovative ROADM module product line now covers the complete needs of multi-degree and two degree nodes in a very cost-effective manner without sacrificing performance.”

The excellent performance of the WSS-11000 results from an ingenious and elegant optical design that combines the best of liquid crystal technology and free space optics. The design of this unique WSS approach focused from day one on delivering a WSS with higher levels of performance, simplicity and port scalability. Leveraging the WB-9000 design, which is in volume production and deployment, ensures that component fabrication and assembly for the WSS-11000 are consistently repeatable, low cost, and high yield. Sharing the same footprint, electrical and firmware interfaces as the WB-9000, also makes it easier for network equipment designers to reuse unique design elements to upgrade ROADM designs from add/drop to switch configurations thus reducing time to market and cost of system integration.

“Scalability was another critical factor in our design,” added Tom Dudley. “While we are shipping a 10-port version today, the WSS-11000 design already easily scales up to 20 ports without impacting performance or manufacturability – two critical factors in the market success of any optical component.”

Xtellus Inc.