Technical Insight
Xtera demonstrates S-band transmission (Fiber Optics News)
Xtera Communications, based in Allen, TX, has used discrete Raman technology to demonstrate the world s first multi-band transmission in the S- (14851525 nm) and C-bands (15301565 nm). The long-haul and ultra-long-haul optical networking company s eXpander product opens up bandwidth previously untapped by commercial optical networking products which use the C-band and, in some cases, the L-band (15701610 nm). The new system allows fiber to carry an additional 96 channels at 50 GHz spacing, with a transmission speed of 10 Gbit/s. "This shows the system interoperability of S-band traffic with C-band systems, thus allowing seamless upgrades beyond initially deployed systems," said Xtera s COO Carl DeWilde. "In combination, the S-band and C-band will deliver the lowest cost per gigabit per kilometer." The eXpander demo uses Raman amplifiers from Oplink Communications, and planar lightwave circuits from Lightwave Microsystems.