Avanex Extends Industry Leading Interleaver Platform.

FREMONT, Calif. -- Avanex Corporation (NASDAQ:AVNX), a pioneer of intelligent photonic solutions that enable next-generation optical networks, today introduced its 25 GHz PowerMux interleaver product portfolio based on patented Gires-Tournois etalon technology.

Interleavers enable Wavelength Division Multiplexed (WDM) networks to cost-effectively double the number of channels and capacity within the same operational wavelength window. Currently, most interleaver-enabled WDM systems operate at 50 GHz channel spacing. Avanex's industry-leading interleaver platform now enables 25 GHz channel spacing, which effectively doubles the number of available channels in a given wavelength range. The 25 GHz PowerMux is a low-cost upgrade solution for high capacity next-generation ultra-dense WDM networks.

Avanex's Gires-Tournois etalon technology is uniquely suited for 25 GHz and finer channel spacing. The Avanex 25 GHz PowerMux interleaver offers low insertion loss, wide passband with very low Polarization Dependent Loss (PDL) and Polarization Mode Dispersion (PMD). The device's wide passband and high channel isolation allow it to be used in applications that require multiple node cascading.

"We have continued to invest and innovate in this technology, and the 25 GHz interleaver is the latest of several recent advancements including asymmetric and bidirectional interleaving," said Dr. Sanjai Parthasarathi, senior director, product line management. "Our interleaving technology offers the best combination of wide-band and low loss. This product is gaining good market traction among next-generation network system designers."

Avanex's Interleaver product family will be on display at Avanex booth 2141 at the Optical Fiber Conference and Exhibition (OFC/NFOEC) held at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, Calif. between March 26 - 29.

About Avanex

Avanex Corporation is a leading global provider of Intelligent Photonic Solutions(TM) to meet the needs of fiber optic communications networks for greater capacity, longer distance transmissions, improved connectivity, higher speeds and lower costs. These solutions enable or enhance optical wavelength multiplexing, dispersion compensation, switching and routing, transmission, amplification, and include network-managed subsystems. Avanex Corporation was incorporated in 1997 and is headquartered in Fremont, Calif. Avanex Corporation also maintains facilities in Horseheads, N.Y.; Shanghai; Nozay, France; San Donato, Italy; and Bangkok. To learn more about Avanex Corporation, visit our web site at: www.avanex.com.