[Shenzhen, China, 17 May, 2012]:  Huawei, a leading global information and communications technology (ICT) solutions provider, today unveiled its new WDM prototype, improving upon the current mainstream commercial products that use a 50GHz fixed spectrum interval. Boasting the highest spectrum efficiency among WDM products currently available, Huawei’s WDM prototype features a flexible spectrum interval with a minimum granularity of 12.5GHz, which not only increases the spectrum utilization and flexibility of the WDM system, but also lays a solid foundation for multi-carrier technologies and next-generation bandwidth-flexible optical networks beyond 100G. This highly efficient spectrum technology will enable carriers to build WDM networks that meet future needs.

The popularity of broadband services has triggered a rapid increase in transmission capacity and a drive towards 100G networks.  Technologies beyond 100G WDM have now become the next research hotspots, with multi-carrier technology acknowledged as the solution for 400G and 1T transmissions. All current mainstream WDM systems are based on a 50GHz or 25GHz spectrum interval, as spectrum utilization is insufficient for 400G and 1T multi-carrier transmissions. The highly efficient WDM prototype developed by Huawei increases the spectrum utilization for large-capacity WDM systems. This compact spectrum solution will make the high-speed signals of the multi-carrier slimmer, ensuring the fiber is able to transfer signals more effectively.

The WDM prototype supports 40G, 100G, 400G and 1T hybrid transmissions and is compatible with the 50GHz or 25GHz spectrum interval legacy systems. It provides smooth evolution from 40G and 100G systems to 400G and 1T systems, effectively protecting investment on current networks.

This high spectrum efficiency technology is one of the core technologies of next-generation bandwidth-flexible optical networks. The signal of next-generation bandwidth-flexible optical networks allows for automatic adjustment of the modulation mode and line rate based on the transmission distance and service capacity, constantly changing the frequency width utilization.  The 12.5GHz granularity enables flexibility in the adjustment of bandwidth, distance, and frequency width, freeing up more of the available spectrum to transmit services.

Jack Wang, president of Huawei Transport Network Product Line, said: "After releasing the world’s first 10 petabit all-optical switch prototype and the 400G DWDM prototype, Huawei has provided a preview of next-generation optical networks by unveiling the highest efficiency spectrum WDM prototype. Huawei is committed to providing innovative solutions in the field of optical networks and to making significant contributions in broadband network construction to further develop next-generation optical transmission technologies."

As a pioneer in 100G WDM, Huawei has deployed 20 commercial and more than 50 trial 100G networks. Huawei provides first-class transport network products, such as WDM/OTN/MS-OTN, MSTP/Hybrid MSTP, microwave products, and end-to-end network solutions. According to consultancy firm Ovum, Huawei is currently ranked No. 1 in the global optical network, WDM/OTN, and 40G network markets as of Q4 2011.