Harmonic Delivers the PWRBlazer II Node Providing Scalable Transport for Cable Network Operators; New Optical Node Ideally Suited for Fiber-Deep Network Architectures - Company Business and Marketing

Cambridge Telcom Report, Oct 25, 1999

Harmonic Inc. Monday announced the PWRBlazer II, the latest addition to the PWRBlazer family of optical nodes providing cable network operators with a suite of flexible transport solutions for delivering broadcast and narrowcast services.

The PWRBlazer II is optimized to support telephony, internet, and video-on-demand (VOD) applications and is ideally suited for fiber-deep network architectures. With a forward-looking design and scalable return path, the PWRBlazer seamlessly accommodates evolving network requirements.

Harmonic is committed to helping operators scale their networks at minimum cost and difficulty. The PWRBlazer II's scalable return path supports this objective: by using up to two return transmitters, the return from the output ports can either be combined onto a single return transmitter or split between two.

When faced with increasing demand for bandwidth, operators can quickly and easily split the return path thus doubling the available return bandwidth. Resultant cost savings can be significant.

The PWRBlazer II employs the same return transmitters as the PWRBlazer Scalable Node. Consequently, a spectrum of capabilities is offered by return transmitters employing a wide variety of technologies, including dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) on the ITU wavelength grid.

The PWRBlazer II integrates an easy-to-use fiber management system and easily replaceable components including the RF amplifier and power supply -- both key benefits in fiber-deep network architectures where simplicity and reliability are critical.

Network monitoring is made easy with an optional status transponder, and return mute switches allow the diagnosis of return ingress without interrupting service.

"The PWRBlazer II offers a feature set which easily accommodates the needs of most network operators in an intelligently-engineered, cost-effective, and easy-to-use package," commented Eric Schweitzer, Director, Product Line Management, Receiver Systems, Harmonic Inc.

"The PWRBlazer product family eases the growing pains of network operators enabling them to quickly respond to customer demands for narrowcast and broadcast services."

Korean cable provider, Integrated Saha Cable-net, has pre-ordered 80 of the PWRBlazer II units which are expected to be available by the end of 1999. For Saha Cable-net, reliable, high-quality service was a key factor in their decision:

"We have been working with Harmonic for some time now and have found the company to be consistent in delivering high-performance products at cost-effective prices. We opted for the PWRBlazer II since we expect it to give us the reliability that we need to ensure we continue to deliver the high-quality services that our customers expect," commented Jang, Director, Integrated Saha Cable-net, Pusan, Korea.

The PWRBlazer product family offers a full line of optical nodes for any cable network application, from supertrunking to distribution-to-the-node. The nodes can be flexibly configured to operators' individual needs and can be fully integrated into Harmonic's NETWatch Element Management System.

The PWRBlazer product line includes the PWRBlazer Scalable Optical Node, the PWRBlazer II Optical Node, and the PWRBlazer Mini Optical Node.

Harmonic designs, manufactures and markets digital and fiber optic systems that deliver video, voice and data over cable, satellite and wireless networks. These advanced solutions enable cable television and other network operators to provide a range of interactive broadband services that include high-speed Internet access, telephony and video-on-demand.

Harmonic is headquartered in Sunnyvale, Calif., where it also operates an R&D center and a manufacturing facility, and has a sales and support center in the U.K. The company also operates its Harmonic Data Systems subsidiary and an R&D center in Israel.

In addition, the company maintains several sales and support centers worldwide. Harmonic is ISO 9001-certified and its stock is traded on the Nasdaq stock market under the symbol "HLIT." For more information, check the company's website at www.harmonicinc.com.