Huawei Releases Wavelength-based Multidimensional All-optical Cross-connect Technology

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Mar 11, 2014, 09:00 ET

SAN FRANCISCO, March 11, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- OFC -- Huawei, a leading global information and communications technology (ICT) solutions provider, today showcased wavelength-based multidimensional all-optical cross-connect technology at the OFC 2014 Conference. The 8-dimension (80 waves per dimension) optical cross-connect prototype implements a free cross-connect of 640 x 640 waves. This is a technical breakthrough in the all-optical cross-connect field.

With the explosive increase in data traffic, direct cross-connect of large-granularity services at the optical layer is inevitable. Currently, an N-dimension optical node consists of 2xN independent optical modules. For example, an 8-dimension optical node consists of 16 wavelength selective switches using 64 pigtails, resulting in a complicated structure, high cost, low integration, and poor flexibility. Huawei's optical cross-connect prototype uses an industry-leading optical engine that enables a programmable million-pixel array to be integrated into a 1 cm2 silicon wafer. This is like integrating a million tiny mirrors into a space no larger than a coin; the engine can then control the cross-connect directions of the wavelengths by manipulating these "mirrors".

In addition, the prototype adopts a leading optical design that allows it to implement the functions of 16 independent optical modules and support bidirectional free cross-connect of 8-dimension 640 x 640 waves, significantly improving integration and reducing cost. The prototype supports a spectral width of 12.5 GHz, but can also support a minimum spectral width of 2 GHz (which is 4% of the 50 GHz currently supported by mainstream product) and 16 dimensions.

The wavelength-based multidimensional all-optical cross-connect technology is an important step in the evolution from transport networks to all-optical networks. In recent years, Huawei has been striving to achieve technical breakthroughs in the all-optical cross-connect field. It released the Petabit Photonic Cross-Connect (PPXC) prototype and the all-optical cross-connect network architecture, which can be applied to all topologies to support the application of the optical cross-connect technology, assisting customers to efficiently handle the upcoming digital flood.

About Huawei
Huawei is a leading global information and communications technology (ICT) solutions provider. Through our dedication to customer-centric innovation and strong partnerships, we have established end-to-end advantages in telecom networks, devices and cloud computing. We are committed to creating maximum value for telecom operators, enterprises and consumers by providing competitive solutions and services. Our products and solutions have been deployed in over 140 countries, serving more than one third of the world's population.

For more information, visit Huawei online: www.huawei.com.

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SOURCE Huawei