Infinera Announces XR Optics
Breaking the inherent limitations of traditional point-to-point optical transmission solutions
Infinera has introduced XR optics - a point-to-multipoint coherent optical subcarrier aggregation technology optimised for hub-and-spoke traffic patterns. According to the company, XR optics is engineered to break the inherent limitations of traditional point-to-point optical transmission solutions and to pave the way for a radical change in transport architectures.
Connections in optical transport networks have historically been implemented using point-to-point technology, which requires matching transceivers of identical speed on each end of the fibre link. These point-to-point solutions are inefficient at handling hub-and-spoke traffic flows, which dominate traffic patterns in aggregation networks.
The result is increased CapEx and OpEx stemming from an extremely large number of transceivers, increased space and power requirements, and “rip and replace” truck rolls as traffic requirements grow. In addition, as networks scale, additional digital aggregation devices are required at intermediate locations to support the conversion to higher speeds. Operational costs and complexity are compounded as operators brace for the significant increase in traffic demand coming from 5G, fibre deep, and new cloud-based business services and applications.
With coherent subcarrier aggregation (CSA) capabilities, XR optics technology enables a single high-speed transceiver to simultaneously send and receive independent data streams to/from numerous low-speed transceivers. By leveraging these capabilities, network operators will be positioned to significantly reduce the number of transceivers in the network, eliminate the need for costly intermediate aggregation devices, and more efficiently optimise transport infrastructure for hub-and-spoke end-user traffic flows. XR optics is designed to be integrated into a variety of form factors, including industry-standard pluggables, from low-speed interfaces with a single subcarrier to high-speed (400G+) interfaces with numerous subcarriers.
“We're excited to introduce the revolutionary concept of coherent subcarrier aggregation, one that will redefine the cost structure of next-generation transport networks,” said Dave Welch, founder and chief innovation officer. “XR optics addresses a fundamental deficiency in optical communications technology and is expected to have a significant impact on any network that implements an aggregation function.”
“Developing 400ZR solutions demands a large investment, and companies are looking for ways to leverage these investments by broadening their addressable market. Infinera has gone a step further in a big, bold move: it is combining its unique expertise in photonics, silicon, and network management to yet again create a truly differentiated approach to solve the engineering challenges faced by network operators,” said Andrew Schmitt, directing analyst, Cignal AI.
“We are excited about XR optics and its potential to make optical networks more efficient,” said Beck Mason, SVP and general manager telecom transmission, Lumentum. “Our market-leading coherent transmission products, based on high-performance indium phosphide photonic integrated circuits, are well proven and deployed in volume in coherent transmission applications, including those employing digital subcarriers, the innovative technology upon which XR optics is based.”
“Optical aggregation with XR optics is a compelling new architecture for aggregating edge nodes such as 5G radios into high-speed 400G router ports without requiring active aggregation devices in the field. We welcome this multi-vendor effort to fundamentally reduce the complexity and operational cost of aggregation networks,” said Christophe Metivier, VP of manufacturing and platform engineering, Arista Networks.
The health and well-being of AngelTech speakers, partners, employees and the overall community is our top priority. Due to the growing concern around the coronavirus (COVID-19), and in alignment with the best practices laid out by the CDC, WHO and other relevant entities, AngelTech decided to postpone the live Brussels event to 16th - 18th November 2020.
In the interim, we believe it is still important to connect the community and we want to do this via an online summit, taking place live on Tuesday May 19th at 12:00 GMT and content available for 12 months on demand. This will not replace the live event (we believe live face to face interaction, learning and networking can never be fully replaced by a virtual summit), it will supplement the event, add value for key players and bring the community together – digitally.
The event will involve 4 breakout sessions for CS International, PIC International, Sensors International and PIC Pilot Lines.
Key elements of the online summit:
- Covering key topics of the industries
- Live 3 hour online summit
- 10 minute presentations – learn from experts in the industry
- Recorded product demos
- Live audience questions
- Enhanced discussion and audience interaction
- Video panel sessions
- Sponsors digital booth (intro video, company content, lead generator, facilitate one on one video meetings with attendees)
- Live private video meetings between two or more attendees
- After the live event, monthly keynotes to drive traffic to the event 24/7, 365
Innovation is in AngelTech’s DNA and we are leveraging this strength to bring you an immersive and inspiring online event without the risk of travel during this uncertain period.
Register to attend
