Next Generation Switching at NXTCOMM 2007

Press release:

Polatis to Demonstrate Next Generation Switching Technology at NXTCOMM 2007

Wavelength Selective Switch and Compact Latching Switch to set industry benchmarks for performance.

Polatis Inc., the leading manufacturer of optical switches for the telecoms industry, today announced that it would give live demonstrations of two next generation optical switching technologies at NXTcomm 2007, taking place from June 19th – 21st at McCormick Place, Chicago.

“Polatis is responding to needs expressed by our customers, in growth markets such as DWDM, ROADM, and FTTH,” said Dr. Aaron Bent, VP Sales and Marketing at Polatis. “The advanced technologies that we are showing at NXTcomm build on the existing portfolio of Polatis products and our reputation for outstanding performance and reliability.”

Polatis will unveil its Wavelength Selective Switch (WSS), an ultra low-loss switching technology, aimed at reducing network cost and enabling new architectures in next generation DWDM networks. The Polatis WSS technology differs from many switches designed for ROADMs, as it does not rely on MEMS. It can individually attenuate or block any wavelength and can pass or drop any wavelength with only 3 dB of optical insertion loss. The WSS technology is highly scalable and can be used to create 1x9, 1x4 and 1x20 fiber drops, for access, regional and ultra-long haul applications. Polatis will demonstrate its 1x9 WSS at NXTcomm.

“The WSS is a critical piece of the rapidly evolving and growing ROADM market. We are working with carriers now to demonstrate how significantly a sub-3 dB WSS can change the economics of building a DWDM network,” states Dr. Bent

Polatis will also introduce its Compact Latching Switch (CLS) technology, a matrix switch technology capable of maintaining connected paths without electrical power. The CLS allows an operator to access the fiber network with analyzers, and peer up or downstream, tapping a portion of the power, or fully switching a given link. The CLS can also be used to restore a fiber path in the event of a failure. Polatis will demonstrate its 80x80x4 configuration, a switch ideal for advanced network monitoring, intrusion detection, deep packet inspection, or any application where a large number of fibers must be accessed in a remote and automated fashion. This configuration will permit up to 4 access points into an 80 traffic fiber network.

“Our CLS latching switch is the first of its kind. It provides an operator a new level of versatility in accessing his fiber plant for diagnostic or interrogative applications. The latching capability means guaranteed availability, even in the event of power failure”, he concluded.

Live product demonstrations of these new technologies, and other Polatis products, will take place at NXTComm, Chicago in the Polatis booth (5755), Monday June 18 through Thursday June 21.

About Polatis
Since inception in 2000, Polatis has set the benchmark in ultra-low loss optical switching. Its patented DirectLight® optical beam steering technology is powering the creation of highly reliable and compact photonic switching solutions. Polatis delivers a broad range of optical switching products with class-leading performance to customers in the communications, video, defense and instrumentation sectors. The company has headquarters located near Boston, Massachusetts and in Cambridge, UK. Polatis Inc. is supported through investments by 3i Group, Alta Berkeley, Esprit Capital Partners, EonTech Ventures, Flagship Ventures, Prism Venture Partners, JK&B Capital, Boston Millennia Partners, Harris and Harris Group, GE Capital, MTDC, Arcadian Venture Partners, and Gainesborough Investments.

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