Oclaro delivers industry-first 1x23 WSS featuring 10X faster switching speeds

SAN JOSE, USA: Oclaro Inc., a tier-one provider and innovator of optical communications and laser solutions, announced the industry's first very high port count 1x23 wavelength selective switch (WSS) that features switching times of 200ms – an order of magnitude faster than competing solutions.

Very high-port count WSS solutions are becoming key components in the deployment of high-speed networks carrying 100 Gbps signals because they address the needs of next generation CDC (Colorless, Directionless, Contentionless) ROADMs (reconfigurable optical add/drop multiplexers) for high node degrees and offer a high level of flexibility in the add/drop portion of the node. With its new 1x23 WSS, Oclaro is well positioned to emerge as a leader in this fast growing market segment, which analyst firm Ovum expects to grow to $201 million by 2016.

"By delivering a very high port count solution that doesn't require compromises in optical performance, we can enable our customers to achieve a competitive advantage with their next generation ROADMs," said Gil Cohen, VP of WSS Product Line Management at Oclaro, Inc. "Our unique use of liquid crystal and MEMS technologies and fast time to market with a new and differentiated solution is the type of innovation that our customers have come to expect from Oclaro and we will continue to push the limits on performance and drive improvements in cost and network efficiencies."

High-performing networks such as those carrying 100 Gbps signals require a new generation of ROADMs that utilize very high port count WSS switches to flexibly route through channels as well as connect each add/drop port to any of the directions connecting a node, and at any wavelength. A higher port count WSS allows for more add/drop ports and/or more degrees to be interconnected, and the fast switching time enables reliable network reconfiguration across multiple nodes.

To achieve a 10X performance improvement in its new 1x23 WSS, Oclaro leveraged its proven optical expertise and unique combination of MEMS (Micro Electro-Mechanical Systems) and liquid crystal technologies. This approach enabled Oclaro to deliver the fastest WSS in the industry and provides customers with a major competitive advantage.