Multi-Vendor, Interoperability Demonstration Shows Serial 850 nm Optical Links Exceed Reach Requirements For Next Generation 10-Gigabit Ethernet Networks
850 nm 10-Gigabit Ethernet Technology To Enable Cost Effective Links for High Volume, Short Reach Enterprise, PoP, and Data Center Applications
Boulder, CO. The 10 Gigabit Ethernet 10BASE S (850 nm) Group today announced a successful multi-vendor testing of 10 Gbps short-wave optical links over greater than maximum required fiber lengths, while meeting bit error rate requirements. Comprised of companies working independently to help develop technologies that support the emerging IEEE P802.3ae standard, the group has taken an important step in proving the validity of 10 Gbps 850 nm links. These links are expected to enable cost effective, high volume, next-generation network solutions for metro and access applications.
The tests covered a complete set of optical fibers found in today s existing cable installations. Link distances ranged up to 450 meters, depending on fiber type. Used in the demonstration were 10 Gbps 850 nm optical components from Cielo Communications and Picolight Inc., and various multi-mode fibers from Corning Incorporated, Lucent Technologies and CDT/Optical Systems Division. The tests showed optical data links that met the bit error rate requirement of at least 1x10-12, which is less than one error for every trillion bits.
"With this demonstration, these companies have shown strong evidence of the feasibility of serial 850 nm solutions for the emerging 10 Gigabit Ethernet standard," said Jonathan Thatcher, IEEE P802.3ae task force chair and principal engineer for World Wide Packets. The demonstrated link consisted of data transmitted between Picolight and Cielo 10 Gbps 850 nm serial transponders over several types of multimode fiber including new enhanced bandwidth multimode fiber (EMMF). By achieving a 450-meter link, the Interoperability Group exceeded the criteria set by the 802.3ae specification by a 50 percent margin, demonstrating that the 850 nm optical link maintains integrity without degradation in performance. The 850 nm solution is expected to be one-half or one-tenth the cost of 1310 nm or 1550 nm devices, thus will provide customers with a more affordable option for short distance 10 Gbps links.
"Today s demonstration substantiates the viability and performance of 10 Gigabit short reach technology," said Chris Simoneaux, Picolight product director. "The Interoperability Group is committed to advancing technology and products in support of the 10 Gigabit Ethernet standard. The 850 nm multimode solution is one that provides substantial advantages in economy and effectiveness for short-reach, high volume networking applications, which comprise the vast majority of ports."
The specifications for 10 Gbps 850 nm operation are defined in the IEEE P802.3ae draft also known as the supplement to Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection (CSMA/CD) Access Method & Physical Layer Specifications and Media Access Control (MAC) Parameters, Physical Layer, and Management Parameters for 10 Gbps Operation. This technological accomplishment is a milestone in ratifying the 802.3ae standard and will provide networking manufacturers with cost effective, high-speed data links.
About Cielo Communications Cielo Communications is an industry leader in the research, development, manufacturing and deployment of VCSEL technology and optical packaging. The company s commitment to the advancement of VCSEL technology enables the broader adoption of cost-effective, multi-gigabit-per-second fiber optic interconnect solutions in optical networking equipment. Cielo Communications is a privately held company backed by several major investor groups including Mayfield Fund, Menlo Ventures, Herb Alpert, HarbourVest, JAFCO, Triumph Capital, J.&W. Seligman, and Kingdon Capital. Cielo Communications is headquartered at 325 Interlocken Parkway, Building A, Broomfield, Colo. 80021.
About Picolight, Inc. Picolight is a rapidly growing, private, venture-backed company that has been shipping product since 1999. The company designs and manufactures high-speed optoelectronic components and subsystems for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) of networking equipment. The company provides transceiver subsystems for short reach (10-meter to 10-kilometer) optical networking connections, including optical switch interconnect, optical enterprise and storage area networks (SANs) and optical metro/access networks. Located in Boulder, CO, Picolight employs a staff of 140. For more information, see www.picolight.com or sales@picolight.com.
Contacts: Cory Rigler at Cielo Tel: 303 460-0700 crigler@cieloinc.com or Lynn Watson at Picolight Tel: 303 530-3189 lynn.watson@picolight.com
Cory Rigler at CieloTel: 303 460-0700
crigler@cieloinc.com
or
Lynn Watson at Picolight
Tel: 303 530-3189
lynn.watson@picolight.com
E-mail: lynn.watson@picolight.com
Web site: http://www.picolight.com
