"Tropic has been in the reconfigurable OADM market for over four years and we are now seeing WSS components maturing to a point where it makes sense to productize them into systems-level solutions. This is very similar to what the industry experienced with blockers, in that the first generation was available in the late 1990's but the components didn't really mature until 2003 when we introduced our first ROADM product. We are seeing the same cycle recur now, as the WSS prototype devices from multiple vendors mature into fully qualified production devices. Critically important is that these devices have comparable capabilities and performance that creates a stable, multi-sourced competitive supply base that can support broad deployment, but will also enable the 40G network evolution without requiring any equipment swap-outs," said Ben Bacque, VP R&D at Tropic Networks. "We are also encouraged to see the component manufacturing processes maturing, allowing our suppliers to ship production volumes, and to continue to drive down their manufacturing costs."

In common with both the static OADM and blocker-based ROADMs, Tropic Networks has integrated its Wavelength Tracker all-optical management technology into the WSS solution. The launch of the WSS ROADM variant rounds out the portfolio for Tropic Networks and allows customers to mix and match solutions as required. For example, while WSS technology may be required at video distribution or other multi-degree hub sites, it may not be required at the drop sites and edge node locations. The Tropic solution delivers optical flexibility without imposing additional costs.

"As networks begin to incorporate WSS technology and become more dynamic and optically transparent in nature Wavelength Tracker forms an essential part of the solution. Without Wavelength Tracker the service provider cannot cost-effectively provision and manage the optical flexibility introduced by WSS devices without first going back to the electrical layer, which of course means they lose the advantages of using the all-optical WSS technology" said Rob Lane VP Sales and Marketing at Tropic. "Over the last two years of live network deployments Wavelength Tracker has proven itself as a vital piece of the network. Our customers also look for more than packaging of component technology and hence our solution provides a complete network toolkit for design, cost optimization and network operations."

Source: Market Wire