Info

Networks, Inc., the Siemens optical company, provides Terabit optical solutions for transport, routing and bandwidth optimization in Long Haul and Ultra Long Haul networks to help carriers increase services, generate revenues and reduce operating costs.Formed in 2000 to focus exclusively on the optical networking industry, Optisphere blends the agility of an entrepreneurial startup with the deep resources of Siemens, a global powerhouse with a broad range of networking products, established and well-proven research and development expertise, services readiness, and significant financial strength. This allows us to be highly responsive and focused on building and sustaining strategic, long-term partnership with our customers. Tactically, Optisphere differentiates from our competitors through our application of advanced technologies to create innovative total network solutions that enable carriers to maximize network investment and can be deployed quickly to generate new revenue.In support of our customers' need to effectively manage capital expenses, Optisphere has developed a revolutionary optical networking solution that closely aligns with carriers' network and traffic behavior, and simplifies operations and network management. This solution addresses the highest cost elements in the network, specifically transponders and regenerators. As part of our "Transparent Network Solution", we have built products that offer a combination of a superior span performance system and fully flexible Optical Add Drop Multiplexers (OADMs) in the nodes of the core network that will enable us to take advantage of the large amount of pass-through traffic (i.e. express traffic) in the core. This allows us to configure optical networks with fewer regenerators and avoid deploying complex and costly switch matrices. This solution meets carriers' network requirements to simplify the operations and provisioning of network elements, reduce risks associated with deploying large switch matrices, and significantly reduce the costs associated with O/E/O as well as line costs. It is this seamless combination of grooming devices at the edge of the core/backbone network and an integrated OADM and high performance DWDM transport system that forms the networking platform of Optisphere's Transparent Network SolutionOptisphere's optical products are integrated into one common network platform that can be applied to Long Haul, Ultra Long Haul, Bandwidth Optimization and Network Management applications. Within each application, our products form solutions that address the unique requirements associated with the specific application. Our equipment is modular and scalable to cost-effectively support growing networks. Plus, our technology is designed around a small footprint that uses significantly less power and floor space than existing equipment.Key elements of our end-to-end portfolio include:Multi-Haul DWDM Solution: Optisphere's unique Multi-Haul DWDM transmission solution enables carriers to transport 2.5, 10 Gbps and 40 Gbps optical bit-rates on the same fiber on a route-specific basis, thus reducing the need for multiple, single-application DWDM systems. This is accomplished using sophisticated transponders and multiplexing transponders that support multiple vendor and service types. This approach results in tremendous cost savings and investment protection, enabling carriers to reduce the number of vendors in the network and realize significant savings in capital spending, operations, training, sparing, provisioning and floor space. Our Multiwavelength Transport System (MTS) is the ultimate transport solution. A modular, DWDM ultra-high capacity Long Haul and Ultra Long Haul transport system, MTS can handle all types of long-distance traffic on a single platform -- up to 160 wavelengths at 10 Gbps. Our MTS C Band application delivers longer span performance with fewer regenerators and can grow to 160 channels. An 80-wavelength 40 Gbps system, scheduled for 2002 will allow carriers to cost-effectively address their long-term, optical transport needs. The MTS Multi-Haul platform is highly scalable to allow for incremental network and investment growth. This offers carriers even more value from an already modular and flexible platform and provides them with a way to extract more performance from their existing network.Ultra Long Haul Capabilities: Our Multi-Haul DWDM solution also provides true Ultra Long Haul capabilities. The MTS platform supports extremely long span performance, which reduces the number of regenerators required in the network. It also supports more spans before needing a regen site. Moreover, the MTS Multi-Haul platform can be easily upgraded to support even longer spans. It is a single platform that gives carriers' the capability to maximize their DWDM network investment while cost effectively managing Ultra Long Haul growth.TransPlan Network Planning Tool: A PC-based route-planning tool designed specifically for the MTS. TransPlan features a GUI that simplifies network planning, design, engineering, and cost analysis. TransPlan enables the quick and accurate modeling of the placement of network components, speeding route design while reducing manpower expenses.Optical Channel Unit (OCU): The OCU houses multiple types of transponders, multiplexers and regenerators integral to the MTS. These components can operate in a plug and play mode due to the OCU's unique design where no traffic appears on the backplane. This allows for any card with any bandwidth to reside in any slot. The OCU provides 2.5 Gbps, 10 Gbps and 40 Gbps multiplexing capabilities with 3R regeneration and protection switching all on a single shelf. It also supports a variety of Optical Channel Protection strategies including 1:n protection.Managed Optical Distribution Frame (MODIF): A unique approach that combines the integration of a Graphical User Interface (GUI) software with the optical patch panel to automate the implementation and management of optical patch panels and provisioning of circuits. Flow-through provisioning via TNMS ensures that accurate records of all connections are maintained and updated as required.As part of the Transparent Optical Networking strategy, MODIF supports wavelength provisioning and intelligent connection management. This intelligent SW-controlled patch panel is used at all nodes, allowing remote visibility and management of all network-connections. It also supports fast and intelligent delivery of lambda services. MODIF keeps track of used / available / remaining capacity and can trigger user-selectable threshold-based "add-capacity" message.Bandwidth Optimization: Optisphere is addressing the need for optimizing existing network capacity with unique solutions. Optisphere's TEX solution enables carriers to extract more value from their existing DWDM networks by gaining more bandwidth over the same network. TEX – which stands for Ten-Gigabit Multiplexer – enables carriers to multiplex four 2.5 Gbps signals into a 10 Gbps signal and hand off the signal into existing equipment. Carriers can maximize DWDM channels and expand network capacity at a very low cost. Our FOX solution is a 40 Gbps multiplexing transponder that enables carriers to multiplex four 10 Gbps signals onto a 40 Gbps signal using a single card. FOX expands network capacity to 40 Gbps without costly upgrades. Both TEX and FOX can interoperate with existing network infrastructure and provide cost effective alternatives to infrastructure expansions.Network Management: TNMS, our comprehensive sixth generation network management solution provides complete operations support for all Optisphere products. TNMS combines network and element management, and enables the comprehensive display, configuration, and monitoring of the entire transport network. Using CORBA-based interfaces, the TNMS system integrates seamlessly with other manufacturers' systems.Superior product design adds up to an excellent return on investment throughout the life cycle of Optisphere's products. Our total front accessibility enables Back-to-Back installation in crowded Central Offices and Huts, and also means lower Power Consumption. And our high channel count and low cost-per-channel deliver outstanding cost savings. Plus, we offer the longest distances of any DWDM product on the market, and we are 40G-capable today.As requirements for increased bandwidth and faster speeds push the limits of technology, Optisphere will deliver economical solutions that optimize the potential of existing networks while providing increased revenue opportunities. Optical networks from Siemens and Optisphere are already installed in over 90 countries – more than any other manufacturer. Specifically, our deployed systems include:Synchronous Multiplexer113,285Synchronous Cross-Connect779DWDM Systems2,519Network Management1,128TOTAL World Systems117,711