FORE Systems has announced it has integrated cutting-edge wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) functionality into its ForeRunner ASX-4000, the industry`s highest performance ATM (asynchronous transfer mode) switch. Ideally suited for emerging service provider networks and large enterprise networks, the ASX-4000 has been enhanced with OC48c WDM interfaces to increase transmission speeds for long-distance networking.
FORE Systems` integrated WDM solution, reduces the cost and complexity of network upgrades by leveraging the existing fibre plant and eliminating the need to add expensive new fibre or separate dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) equipment.
More and more service providers are looking to deploy ATM at the core of their networks to expand capacity to meet increased customer bandwidth requirements and maximise ATM backbone services while managing cost. WDM technology, combined with cost-effective FORE switching solutions, delivers what service providers desire: integrated low-cost, high-capacity switching and transmission.
The WDM capability is achieved through the use of a new four channel wavelength division multiplexer module for the ASX-4000 ATM Switch. Fibre constrained plants that don`t require the massive scalability of long haul DWDM can now cost effectively scale bandwidth capacity in ways they never could before. Because the new WDM-capable port cards use 1550 nm optics, the new port cards can directly interconnect networks at distances up to 65 km. This can be extended to over 100 km with off-the-shelf optical line amplifiers.
"Integrated WDM is a significant addition to FORE`s industry leading technology," said Milton Thorne, director of operations at FORE Systems southern Africa. "The ASX-4000 has been augmented to meet the increasing demands of service provider metropolitan area networks. Gaining strategic advantage in competitive service markets requires cost savings and efficiencies, coupled with the ability to differentiate and more rapidly respond to market opportunities. FORE`s strategic initiative with the enhanced ASX-4000 allows service providers to keep up with customer demand for higher bandwidth Internet connectivity, virtual private networks and voice services."
FORE`s integrated WDM solution takes full advantage of the ASX-4000`s resiliency features. It allows for multiple ATM links to be connected between switches using ForeThought software`s unique Capacity-Aware Routing and Dynamic Protection Switching features.
FORE`s new solution conforms to the ITU (International Telecommunications Union) 200 GHz channel spacing standard and utilises wavelengths specified by the Multiwavelength Optical Networking (MONET) Consortium - a group that is chartered with advancing networks capable of supporting all currently employed or proposed telecommunications standards.
Because standard wavelengths are used, the WDM-capable port cards can connect directly to third-party DWDM gear, bypassing the need for extra equipment to perform the 1310 to 1550 nm conversion. The new WDM-capable OC-48c port cards and passive optical multiplexer will be available for the ASX-4000 beginning March, 1999.
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FORE Systems is a leading global supplier of networking solutions based on an Intelligent Infrastructure designed to handle the networked applications of today and tomorrow. FORE`s Networks of Steel deliver the increased capacity, reduced complexity and unparalleled flexibility and scalability necessary to build networks that last.
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