OFS, Foundry Networks Report Ethernet Advances with Fiber

LAS VEGAS, May 8 - OFS and Foundry Networks Inc. have together successfully demonstrated 10 Gigabit Ethernet at distances beyond 802.3ae specification.

Foundry's 10 Gigabit Ethernet ER module (10GBASE-ER), which is compliant with the current draft version of the IEEE 802.3ae specification, has transmitted traffic over 85 km, using randomly selected OFS TrueWave RS fiber. This demonstration is twice the distance specified in the IEEE 802.3ae standard for 10GBASE-ER links. "This demonstration allows metro providers to build their backbone network with confidence when using Foundry's 10 Gigabit Ethernet product and OFS' fiber offering. In addition, customers enjoy cost savings when extending the limits of 10 Gigabit Ethernet beyond the standard specification," said Ken Cheng, vice president of marketing at Foundry Networks.

Foundry's BigIron 10GBASE-SR modules transmitted 10-Gigabit Ethernet over 830 meters of randomly selected OFS LaserWave 300 fiber through two optical connections, at 2.7 times the 802.3ae specified minimum for 10GBASE-SR links. "LaserWave and TrueWave RS provide margin to reliably support 10-Gigabit Ethernet using standard 802.3ae ports and eliminate the need for expensive link extenders for very long-reach applications," said Janice Haber, vice president of system engineering and market development for OFS.