Raman amplifiers enable company to continue lowering latency in high-performance networks

 ADVA Optical Networking today announced the introduction of new latency-optimized Raman amplifier technology to its flagship ultra low-latency FSP 3000 platform that will allow faster connectivity along key financial trading routes, including Chicago to New York, London to Frankfurt and New York to Toronto.

The main advantage of Raman amplification is its ability to provide amplification without the need to add supplementary fiber to the network, therefore allowing a shorter overall fiber path and faster transmission. 

The new amplifier implements counter and co-propagating Raman amplification techniques. Traditional network implementations utilize higher-latency Erbium-Doped Fiber Amplifiers (EDFAs) to boost an optical signal before it is sent. They also use counter-propagation Raman techniques to boost the received optical signal. ADVA Optical Networking’s new Raman technology has overcome gain and power-control barriers to eliminate the use of EDFA amplification in the solution. This method of allowing amplification within the transmission fiber itself significantly reduces the quantity of amplifiers that need to be deployed throughout the overall network, which also minimizes the number of intermediate sites required along a route.

“In our trials, we have seen the new ultra low-latency Raman amplifiers reduce equipment latency by as much as 50 percent on key financial links,” said Brian Quigley, director of low-latency sales and strategy at ADVA Optical Networking. “This announcement is an example of ADVA Optical Networking’s continued commitment to drive latency from high-performance networks.”

“The new Raman amplifiers are another strong step forward in creating the fastest networks possible,” explained Christoph Glingener, chief technology officer at ADVA Optical Networking. “We have tested these amplifiers and have them running in our low-latency sandbox lab. We continue to see how our unrelenting commitment to innovation allows our customers to stay one step ahead of their competition. This new product adds to ADVA Optical Networking’s extensive suite of ultra low-latency Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) products, and it will continue to keep us as the top choice for high-performance, low-latency networks.”