DWDM pluggable MSA adds six members

Alcatel Optronics, JDS Uniphase, Mitsubishi Electric, NEC Corp., Oki Electric, and Sumitomo/Excelight have joined the DWDM Pluggable Transceiver multi-source agreement (MSA) and will supply devices that conform to the specification defined by the MSA. Transceivers developed using this new specification are designed to help improve network planning, commissioning, and maintenance of optical networks and reduce system downtime and inventory costs.

The DWDM Pluggable Transceiver MSA announced by Agilent Technologies Inc., Nortel Networks, and Agere Systems, earlier this year, establishes a standard that specifies uniformity for 2.5Gbps DWDM pluggable transceiver package outlines, pin function definitions, software interface, and electrical characteristics. The transceivers made from this MSA are expected to provide transmit and receive interfaces for metro DWDM multiservice routers, multiservice provisioning, optical transmission platforms, and digital cross-connects.

"The addition of six new members is a powerful reinforcement of the MSA and establishes it as the preeminent 2.5Gbps DWDM interface standard," said Pat Walsh, VP, Product Line Management, Optical Components, Nortel Networks.

Founded in June 2002, the DWDM Pluggable Transceiver MSA group is an open forum, whose members will independently develop and market the compact, DWDM transceivers based on the new standard, ensuring that network equipment manufacturers have a choice among compatible sources.