Flexible Pluggable Optical Modules with Automatic Configuration – Universal Optical Nodes

Mixing different types of optical modules in an access network can be costly and complex. Lars Eriksen from Norwia explained to me at the NAB trade show that a key solution to network operators is to use a single type of optical module that that can provide different types of transmit and/or receive and optical processing functions. Another key function to a flexible module is the ability of the device to automatically detect and configure itself. This allows operators to install a single type of optical equipment which simplifies installation, reduces spare inventory cost, and enables the network to be reconfigured as the network needs change.