NeoPhotonics Unveils Modular Multicast Switch Configurations for Dense Mesh Networks

By Calvin Azuri, TMCnet Contributor

NeoPhotonics (News - Alert) Corporation announced the launch of its newly configured multicast switch (MCS) modules. These modules have been customized for a combination in modular fashion for increasing the number of directions that a ROADM (News - Alert) node supports. The new range of MCS significantly reduces the capital investment costs while providing for “pay as you grow” option in line with network scalability.

Tim Jenks, CEO of NeoPhotonics, said, “We are very pleased to announce NeoPhotonics modular approach to next generation CDC ROADMs which addresses a critical problem for systems designers and carriers by reducing the first install costs of CDC ROADMs without compromising the ability of these systems to scale with network growth. The modular multicast switch design is made possible by NeoPhotonics advanced photonic integration technology which efficiently combines many functions on a single Silicon chip.”

The modular approach allows for combining two 4x4 MCSs to form a dual 8x4 configuration, which is capable of supporting eight input ports in total. Further, the approach also allows for two modules of the dual 4x16 MCS to be combined to create a dual 8x16 configuration, which can be extended further to a 12x16 configuration.

The NeoPhotonics Multicast Switches are designed to make next generation ROADM nodes capable of directing any wavelength to any port, intake input wavelength channels from any direction through the same switch. The switches will provide the designers of advanced networks with “colorless, directionless and contentionless” features while reducing the capital investments in building the next generation dense mesh networks.

NeoPhotonics’ modular multi-core approach employs the latest PIC (photonic integrated circuit) technology providing the customers with the flexibility to increase the add/drop ports to handle increased complexities associated with modern day networks. Further, these switches are capable of supporting network upgrades by transitioning from the current “rigid” ROADMs to the next-generation CDC capable long-haul or metro networks.

NeoPhotonics Corporation is engaged in the designing and manufacturing of PIC-based switches and modules customized for high-speed communications networks requiring high bandwidth capabilities. The products developed by the company allow for efficient bandwidth allocation capable of high-speed data transmission over modern day communication networks. 

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