OTTAWA, CANADA -- Nortel Networks(NYSE:NT)(TSE:NT.TO) and Novera Optics, Inc. have successfully conducted interoperability testing of two key components that form a dynamic gain equalizer (DGE). Developed as a vital component of optical network management, a DGE will enable new revenue generating services such as on-demand wavelength provisioning. The tests combined the separately available Nortel Networks gain tilt channel monitor (GTCM) and the Novera Optics(TM) DGEP(TM) dynamic gain equalization processor to automatically balance the power spectrum of dense wave division multiplexing (DWDM) channels boosted by optical amplifiers. The Nortel Networks GTCM is currently sampling and the Company expects it to be generally available in December 2001. The Novera Optics DGEP equalizer is available now. Nortel Networks and Novera Optics collaborated on the interoperability tests to remove the burden from systems providers to independently test, match and integrate discrete spectral monitoring and spectral shaping components on their systems. "Despite their need for tunable components, system vendors often prolong deployment to evaluate these enabling devices for compatibility and optimization," states Daryl Inniss, senior optical components analyst for RHK. "The Nortel Networks/Novera Optics interoperability testing is one approach to addressing this issue, which in turn seeks to reduce a long development cycle and lower costs." "No complete solution for dynamic gain equalization of DWDM channels through optical amplifiers has been provided before," said John Keating, Novera Optics' Vice President of Marketing. "Working with Nortel Networks, we have directly targeted the issues service providers face in rapidly and cost effectively turning-up new DWDM channels." "Understanding the concerns and problems of both optical system providers and their customers was vital in successfully conducting the interoperability tests," said Pat Walsh of Nortel Networks Optical Components. When DWDM systems are initially deployed, only a few channels are switched on. As demand for bandwidth increases and further channels are added, the overall flatness of the channel powers can become unbalanced. This non-uniformity in channel powers arises from non-linear effects such as stimulated Raman scattering in the fiber as well as the additive effects of cascaded optical amplifiers in the system. In a long haul system, these effects can be pronounced. Non-uniformities are also seen in agile networks, both long-haul and metro. If the channel power imbalance is not mitigated, overall system performance is degraded and service reliability is reduced resulting in lost revenue for the service provider. The combined GTCM and DGEP solution monitors and dynamically adjusts spectral profiles to correct non-uniformities, eliminating the need for manual intervention and adjustment. New channels can be added in minutes as opposed to the current delay of hours or days. For more information, please visit www.noveraoptics.com or www.nortelnetworks.com