SCIENCE

BALTIMORE, MD -- Fujitsu Network Communications, Inc. today launched a new version of its highly scalable dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) platform, the FLASHWAVE(R) 320G, that offers carriers a simple and cost-effective pathway to increased capacity on a single DWDM platform for regional long-haul applications. Fujitsu's FLASHWAVE 320G is a complete, end-to-end DWDM platform, composed of 40- or 320-gigabit architectures in a single shelf. The platform supports up to 1.2 terabits per second (Tbps) of traffic by using both the C-band and the L-band, and can transmit data in spans exceeding 600 kilometers (km), without regeneration. Its signal optimization system allows carriers to add channels as needed. The platform's spectrum analyzers and variable attenuators recalibrate the network automatically when new wavelengths are provisioned, accelerating the overall turn-up process and helping carriers provision services quickly and cost-effectively. Fujitsu combines multiple optical signals into one signal in the FLASHWAVE 320G, reducing fiber congestion. The platform supports 600 km on a variety of optical fiber types including single mode fiber (SMF) and DSF, LS and NZ-DS fibers, to name a few. The consolidation of fibers improves a carrier's ability to add traffic and fully utilize an existing infrastructure while reducing installation and maintenance costs. "Fujitsu's FLASHWAVE 320G platform provides carriers with a cost-effective entry into DWDM for regional long-haul applications," said Bill Erickson, senior vice president of product planning at Fujitsu Network Communications. "This Fujitsu platform addresses carriers' entrance requirements and cost structures, allowing them to gain efficiencies and economies of scale with DWDM at a very reasonable start-up cost -- it meets customer's demands today, but also provides a scalable architecture for tomorrow's needs." Fujitsu's FLASHWAVE 320G is fully interoperable with all of Fujitsu's optical transmission systems including Fujitsu's FLASHWAVE OADX, the world's highest capacity, commercially available DWDM platform. The FLASHWAVE OADX is capable of carrying up to 1.76 Tbps of bi-directional traffic. This provides carriers with an extensive amount of bandwidth as their needs for greater capacity increase. Utilizing a common platform, the FLASHWAVE OADX satisfies carriers' requirements for both long-haul and ultra long-haul networks. The FLASHWAVE 320G employs tunable lasers as a significant cost-saving feature. Fujitsu was one of the first optical transport companies shipping 4-channel tunable lasers and is the only company with tunable lasers in carrier's networks with live traffic. Recently, Fujitsu announced the deployment of 22-channel tunable lasers for its DWDM platforms. "Tunable lasers have become a critical element in the management of high-capacity DWDM platforms because of the growing number of channels, sparing issues, growth of metro equipment, variable costs, economies of scale, and supply chain issues," said Erickson. "Adding the 22-channel capability is a breakthrough in fiber optic systems and positions Fujitsu as the leader in tunable laser technology and DWDM solutions."