AON's MetroScout delivers 10 Gbps native transparency at 1310 nm

Fiber Optics Weekly Update, June 7, 2002

All Optical Networks Inc. (AON) announced the availability of its MetroScout metro-access multiplexer, delivering native protocol and bit-rate transparency up to an unprecedented 10 Gbps per channel. Designed from AON's patent-pending Wavelength Shift Multiplexing (WSM) technology, this all-optical 4-channel multiplexer directly interoperates with 1310 urn legacy equipment, the predominant wavelength of the installed base. The benefit of MetroScout's transparency means using only a single interface card for all protocol and bit-rate combinations. The simplicity and transparency offered by the MetroScout gives service providers the versatility to offer unprecedented service choices to customers at substantially reduced deployment and operating costs.

The MetroScout requires only a single interface card for all bit-rate and protocol combinations up to 10Gbps, a vast improvement over current DWDM/CWDM-based solutions that are limited to 2.5 Gbps. Furthermore, the MetroScout requires no service-specific interface cards during deployment and no replacement when customers request either protocol or data rate "upgrades"--a frequent occurrence in the metro-access environment.

MetroScout directly interoperates with 1310 nm infrastructure--the predominant wavelength of the legacy installed base--without remodulating from 1310 nm to 1550 nm as required by today's DWDM/CWDM-based approaches. This capability allows service providers to eliminate capital expenditures associated with upgrading or replacing existing network infrastructure and effectively bridge legacy systems with next-generation equipment. Furthermore, the MetroScout does not use expensive and complex components, such as ITU-Grid lasers, modulators, and processors to achieve high performance.

MetroScout will be ready for customer trials in early Q4 2002.