NextIO simplifies top of rack switching with I/O virtualisation

NextIO has developed virtualised input/output (I/O) equipment that simplifies switch design in the data centre.

"Our box takes a single virtual NIC, virtualises that and shares that out with all the servers in a rack"

John Fruehe, NextIO 

The platform, known as vNET, replaces both Fibre Channel and Ethernet top-of-rack switches in the data centre and is suited for use with small one rack unit (1RU) servers. The platform uses PCI Express (PCIe) to implement I/O virtualisation.

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ROADMs and their evolving amplification needs

Technology briefing: ROADMs and amplifiers

Oclaro announced an add/drop routing platform at the recent OFC/NFOEC show. The company explains how the platform is driving new arrayed amplifier and pumping requirements.  

A ROADM comprising amplification, line-interfaces, add/ drop routing and transponders. Source: Oclaro

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100 Gigabit and packet optical loom large in the metro

"One hundred Gig metro has become critical in terms of new [operator] wins"

Michael Adams, Ciena

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Avago to acquire CyOptics

• Avago to become the second largest optical component player
• Company gains laser and photonic integration technologies
• The goal is to grow data centre and enterprise market share
• CyOptics achieved revenues of $210M in 2012 

How the acquisition of CyOptics will expand Avago's market opportunities. SAM is the serviceable addressable market and TAM is the total addressable market. Source: Avago

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OFC/NFOEC 2013 product round-up - Part 2

 Second and final part

• Custom add/drop integrated platform and a dual 1x20 WSS module
• Coherent receiver with integrated variable optical attenuator
• 100/200 Gigabit coherent CFP and 100 Gigabit CFP2 roadmaps     
• Mid-board parallel optics - from 150 to over 600 Gigabit.
• 10 Gigabit EPON triplexer 

Add/drop platform and wavelength-selective switches

Oclaro announced an add/drop routing platform for next-generation reconfigurable optical add/drop multiplexers (ROADMs). The platform, which supports colourless, directionless, contentionless (CDC) and flexible grid ROADMs, can be tailored to a system vendor's requirements and includes such functions as cross-connect switching, arrayed amplifiers and optical channel monitors.

"If we make the whole thing [add/drop platform], we can integrate in a much better way"

Per Hansen, Oclaro

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OFC/NFOEC 2013 industry reflections - Part 4

Gazettabyte asked industry figures for their views after attending the recent OFC/NFOEC show. 

"Spatial domain multiplexing has been a hot topic in R&D labs. However, at this year's OFC we found that incumbent and emerging carriers do not have a near-term need for this technology. Those working on spatial domain multiplexing development should adjust their efforts to align with end-users' needs"

T.J. Xia, Verizon

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OFC/NFOEC 2013 industry reflections - Part 3

Joe Berthold, vice president of network architecture, Ciena

The two topics that received the most attention, judging from session attendance and discussion in the hallways, were silicon photonics and software-defined networking (SDN). I predict that next year those who wish to capitalise on this popularity wave will be submitting papers on SDN-enabled silicon photonics.

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