OIF to Demonstrate Multi-Vendor Interoperability of Very Long Reach Optical Links at OFC/NFOEC.

FREMONT, Calif. -- The Optical Internetworking Forum (OIF) is demonstrating the interoperability of transponders and optical components for Very Long Reach (VR) applications using alternative modulation techniques this week at the OFC/NFOEC show in Anaheim, California. OIF members Azna LLC, Essex Corporation, Kodeos Communications, Opnext and Vitesse will conduct the live demonstration at the OIF booth (#1149), with Agilent, Anritsu, JDS Uniphase and Tektronix supplying test equipment.

Participants will demonstrate interoperability of an application code for Very Long Reach links. The OIF, working in conjunction with the ITU-T, SG 15 developed the application code (P1V1-2C2) as part of the ITU-T G.959.1 specification. This VR application code, was accepted by the ITU during its February 2006 meeting in Geneva, and is based on alternate modulation techniques supporting transmission through 2400 ps/nm of residual dispersion without regeneration or in-line optical compensation. The application code supports carrier requirements for longer reaches at lower costs and allows for direct upgrade of 2.5 Gb/s to 10 Gb/s Very Long Reach links.

Additional information on the interoperability demonstration is available in a white paper which can be downloaded from the OIF web site at http://www.oiforum.com/public/documents/OIF_APP_VR_WP.pdf

"The test methodology was derived from the OIF's Transponder Interoperability Implementation Agreement to ensure multi-vendor compatibility," said Karl Gass of Sandia National Laboratories and the OIF's Physical Layer Users Working Group chair. "This is an opportunity for component and module suppliers to demonstrate the maturity of a new industry standard."

About the OIF

Launched in April of 1998, the OIF is a non-profit organization with a unique and diverse member base, including many of the world's leading carriers, component manufacturers and system vendors. As the only industry group uniting representatives from data and optical networks, the OIF helps advance the standards and methods of optical networks. The purpose of the OIF is to accelerate the deployment of interoperable, cost-effective and robust optical networks and their associated technologies. The OIF actively supports and extends the work of national and international standards bodies with the goal of promoting worldwide compatibility of optical internetworking products. Working relationships or formal liaisons have been established with the IEEE 802.3, IETF, ITU-T Study Group 13, ITU-T Study Group 15, IPv6 Forum, MFA Forum, MEF, NPF, OPTXS, Rapid I/O, TMF MTNM group, TMOC, UXPi and the XFP MSA Group. More information on the OIF can be found at www.oiforum.com.