Wave-Division Multiplexing (WDM) networks have evolved into advanced interconnected mesh architectures. Reconfigurable Optical Add/Drop Multiplexers (ROADMs) enable these advanced networks, along with a key technology component called a Wavelength Selective Switch (WSS).
Packet optical networking provides a universal, efficient, cost-effective, forward-looking aggregation and transport infrastructure for current and future Ethernet and IP services. These platforms support residential broadband, mobile backhaul, and enterprise services.
Connection-Oriented Ethernet (COE) is the latest innovation in carrier Ethernet. It provides the determinism of TDM while retaining the flexibility and low cost of Ethernet. COE enables service providers to construct a single, general-purpose Ethernet infrastructure that delivers the full range of access and aggregation applications.
Carriers are beginning to deploy 40 Gbps interfaces in select applications. Fujitsu, a leader in high-speed photonics, recently released second-generation 40 Gbps units, reducing the card size by 50% and significantly lowering the 40 Gbps card price.
The ITU standard G.709, Interface for the Optical Transport Network, provides an industry-wide frame structure and overhead definition for the photonic layer. This standard defines a hierarchy among optical network elements and provides for performance management of complex Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) networks.
