Infinera unveiled the major elements of its next generation platform this morning under the moniker The Infinite Network. When fully in place, that new platform is expected to include 800Gbps wavelength capability.
Infinera's Infinite Network is broken down into three elements. The Infinite Core will include 600Gbps waves initially with 800Gbps to follow. The Infinite Edge will bring more of that bandwidth out to the edge of the network via all layers from zero to three. And finally, through Cognitive Networking they will add more network automation capabilities.
The underlying workhorse that will be Infinera's nextgen ICE6 technology, which builds upon ICE4 via tightly integrated 7nm DSP technology and the company's sixth generation PIC. It leverages Nyquist subcarriers, deep vertical integration, and of course the indium phosphide photonics that Infinera specializes in. The expectation is for 45% higher overall capacity per fiber.
In terms of timing, the ICE6 PIC is ready and will be demonstrated at OFC in a few weeks, while the new FlexCoherent 6 DSP will be ready in Q3 with the full optical engine ready by end of year. Infinera is moving to get its nextgen gear in place earlier in the market cycle this time around.
This article was authored by Rob Powell and was originally posted on Telecomramblings.com
Rob Powell is founder & editor of Telecom Ramblings, which was set up in 2008. The website is dedicated to discussing trends and developments in the telecom industry.