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NeoPhotonics Introduces Modular Multicast Switch (MCS) Configurations for Next Generation ROADMs in 100G Coherent Networks

New MCS Modular Designs Provide a”Pay As You Grow” Solution for “CDC” ROADMs in Dense Mesh Networks

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mar. 11, 2014-- NeoPhotonics Corporation (NYSE:NPTN), a leading designer and manufacturer of photonic integrated circuit, or PIC, based modules and subsystems for bandwidth-intensive, high speed optical communications networks, today introduced new configurations of its multicast switch (MCS) modules, which are designed to be combined in a modular fashion to increase the number of degrees or directions supported by a ROADM node, reducing initial costs and providing a “pay as you grow” model to scale with network growth. For example, with this modular approach, two 4x4 MCSs can be combined to form a dual 8x4 configuration, supporting a total of 8 input ports. Similarly two modules of the dual 4x16 MCS can be combined to form a dual 8x16 that can be further extended to a 12x16 configuration.

NeoPhotonics Multicast Switches are designed to be used in a next generation ROADM node to direct any wavelength to any port (Colorless), accept input wavelength channels from multiple different directions (Directionless), and be able to drop two identical wavelengths from different directions through the same switch (Contentionless), thereby increasing network flexibility and efficiency. One of the biggest challenges for designers of these next-generation “colorless, directionless and contentionless,” or CDC, networks is managing the up-front initial installation costs required to support the large number of degrees or directions which may eventually be required in dense mesh networks, even though initial deployments may only utilize a small number of degrees. NeoPhotonics new modular approach to next-generation ROADM design allows network equipment manufacturers to initially install low port count modules which provide only the ports and directions that are initially needed.

As the complexity of the network deployment grows, the NeoPhotonics’ modular multi-core approach uses advanced PIC technology to allow customers to increase the number of add/drop channels, and to expand the number of degrees or directions, on a pay-as-you-grow basis. Additional ports and directions are only added when traffic exists to support the expansion. The NeoPhotonics Multicast Switch enables users to upgrade today’s first generation “rigid” ROADMs to the next-generation any-wavelength-to-any-port CDC capable metro and long-haul networks. In fact, for some metro networks with a small number of coherent optics-based add/drop ports with 100Gb/s or beyond capacity, it may be possible to add CDC functionality with no additional add/drop optical amplifiers needed.

“We are very pleased to announce NeoPhotonics modular approach to next generation CDC ROADMs which addresses a critical problem for systems designers and carriers by reducing the first install costs of CDC ROADMs without compromising the ability of these systems to scale with network growth,” said Tim Jenks, CEO of NeoPhotonics. “The modular multicast switch design is made possible by NeoPhotonics advanced photonic integration technology which efficiently combines many functions on a single Silicon chip.”

NeoPhotonics is showcasing its Modular MCS alongside its 100G Client transceivers (CFP, CFP2), intradyne coherent receivers (ICR), and micro narrow linewidth tunable lasers (μITLA) for 100G coherent communications, as well as an extensive line of next generation transceivers for access networks, in Booth 1815 at the Optical Fiber Communications (OFC) Exposition at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, California, March 11-13.

About NeoPhotonics

NeoPhotonics is a leading designer and manufacturer of photonic integrated circuit, or PIC, based modules and subsystems for bandwidth-intensive, high-speed communications networks. The company’s products enable cost-effective, high-speed data transmission and efficient allocation of bandwidth over communications networks. NeoPhotonics maintains headquarters in San Jose, California and ISO 9001:2000 certified engineering and manufacturing facilities in Silicon Valley Japan and China. For additional information, visit www.neophotonics.com.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are only predictions and may differ materially from actual future events or results. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, as well as assumptions and current expectations. The Company’s actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions. The risks and uncertainties that could cause the Company’s results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements include but are not limited to: acceptance by customers of multicast switch products or the timing of such acceptance may not be as the Company expects; the timing of or costs related to the development and performance and production of multicast switch products may not be as the Company expects; the demand for multicast switch products, ROADM systems and CDC networks may be volatile or lower than the Company expects and its production capacity may be underutilized; demand for multicast switch products could decrease from the Company’s expectations due to general conditions in the telecommunications equipment industry or the world economy generally, and other risks and uncertainties described more fully in the Company’s documents filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Source: NeoPhotonics Corporation

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