Pluggable multiplexers boost edge/core transport, DCI networks

ADVA (Munich, Germany) this month expanded its MicroMux series of pluggable devices with two new models. The company says its MicroMux Nano and MicroMux Quattro devices enable network operators to maximize the value of existing aggregation devices both at the network's edge and in its core. The two high-density multiplexers focus on helping customers reduce operational complexity, lower capital expenditures and fully exploit the potential of their existing hardware, says ADVA.

The ADVA MicroMux Nano fits into 10GbE sockets and fans out ten 1GbE interfaces, raising flexibility and efficiency at the network edge. At the other end of the scale, the MicroMux Quattro converts 400GbE client ports into four 100GbE ports, reducing cost and complexity at the core. The company says the standards-compliant multiplexers provide a way for network operators to affordably scale data center access and transport networks while meeting legacy needs.

Stephan Rettenberger, SVP, marketing and investor relations, ADVA, comments, “Our comprehensive portfolio of multiplexers in a plug enables a fresh approach to expanding infrastructure. It empowers operators to balance current requirements with tomorrow’s demands, protecting previous investments while ensuring future-proof growth. With our MicroMux series, there’s no need to replace entire systems or add expensive and bulky equipment. Operators are free to easily convert 10Gbit/s, 100Gbit/s or 400Gbit/s interfaces into multiple lower-speed interfaces with zero footprint increase. Today’s launch highlights the importance of our open optical technology for an industry juggling soaring data demand with challenging performance, simplicity and cost objectives. Now there’s a plug-and-play solution for all aggregation needs that smoothly upgrades legacy infrastructure without compromising space, power or spectral efficiency. With our new MicroMux family, operators can harness a seamless mix of speeds for ultimate efficiency and value.”

The ADVA MicroMux Nano is billed as the first device of its kind specifically engineered for the network edge. Requiring no additional equipment, the Layer 2 Ethernet multiplexer easily slots into existing SFP+ client ports, turning 10GbE into ten 1GbE interfaces without inflating costs.

Next in size is the original MicroMux. With over 10,000 deployed in commercial networks, this QSFP28 module is already delivering true scale and flexibility to global cloud and internet service providers by converting 100GbE to ten 10GbE channels.

At the core of the network where much higher data rates are required, the ADVA MicroMux Quattro aggregates four 100GbE streams into a 400GbE QSFP-DD plug with no increase in footprint. Extremely simple to deploy, ADVA contends that all three MicroMux plugs "provide a major boost to client port density without waste, ensuring no stranded bandwidth and no loss of total system capacity."

“Our MicroMux range is the result of close collaboration with leading transport network and DCI operator customers looking to meet both legacy needs and future demands,” explains Ross Saunders, GM, Optical Engines, ADVA. "With more than 10,000 of our original MicroMux modules already deployed, our pluggable muxponders are right now helping operators across the globe to tackle the most urgent challenges around cost and scale while supporting a true pay-as-you-grow model of network expansion. Our MicroMux technology makes it easy to upgrade a link without having to replace the whole system. They also deliver superb energy efficiency. What’s more, the whole family comes in several variants to accommodate all distances and fiber types. So, whether it’s single or multimode fiber over short, intermediate or long-reach links, network operators have the tools available to optimize space, power and operating costs.”

Learn more about ADVA's MicroMux series.