BRIDGEWATER, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nistica, a Fujikura subsidiary supplying agile optical networking solutions, unveiled FLEXBOX, a disaggregated ROADM node designed for next-generation Software Defined Networks (SDN). Nistica will work with its current customer base of optical system vendors to deliver the product to carriers and webscale customers.
Built in single rack unit (1RU) form-factors, these cost-effective, versatile products support broadcast-and-select and route-and-select architectures by integrating Nistica’s grid-flexible single- and twin, C-band and L-band wavelength selective switches (WSS). Gain-controlled optical amplification derived from Nistica’s vast experience in ROADM blade optical signal control loops is incorporated together with the WSS to enable a fully-automated optical layer for carriers desiring hands-free operation via software control.
“Our current systems customers have repeatedly asked us to create these differentiated building blocks that can be sold as part of their offering to established and emerging carriers,” remarked Ashish Vengsarkar, CEO of Nistica. “Having shipped thousands of ROADM blades, and tens of thousands of WSSs, we were well positioned to jump at this opportunity.”
Nistica is launching a customized black-box model whereby Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) can specify optical layer differentiators, as well as tailor the software layer to offer advanced optical capabilities to their end customers. Built on standardized SDN support of NETCONF and RESTCONF network management interfaces through YANG models, the FLEXBOX will be fully compatible with the emerging standards in collaborative platforms such as OpenROADM and Telecom Infrastructure Project (TIP).
“Carriers will continue to advance cutting-edge optical switching technologies and more sophisticated superchannel transmission formats,” added Dr. Thomas Strasser, CTO & Co-Founder of Nistica. “Our software-defined optical layer capabilities allow us to future proof the network and create compelling differentiators for our customers.”
Nistica will demonstrate the operation of FLEXBOX functions in Booth # 2059 at the Optical Fiber Communications conference (OFC) being held in Los Angeles, California, March 20 – 24, 2017. Also at OFC, Nistica CTO, Dr. Thomas Strasser, will teach a short course on ROADM Technologies and Network Applications (SC261).
About Nistica
Nistica is a global supplier of agile optical modules and subsystems that simplify, automate and make affordable the delivery of high-bandwidth applications, enabling systems providers across multiple industries to meet ever-increasing demand. Formed in January 2005, Nistica is now a subsidiary of Fujikura, partnering with Texas Instruments, NTT Electronics and other industry leaders to expand its global reach and scale production. For more information, visit the company website, www.nistica.com.
