Optical Amplifier Stretches Fiber Networks Without Regeneration

Expanding its LightLEADER family of carrier-class standalone systems, Lynx Photonic Networks has introduced a line of optical amplifiers. The LightLEADER 6100, the company's first rack-mountable erbium-doped fiber amplifier (EDFA), is designed to boost optical signals within fiber networks. Using the amplifier, telco and cable operators can extend the distance traffic can be carried without the need for expensive signal regeneration equipment.

EDFAs are particularly cost-effective when used in conjunction with dense wavelength-division multiplexed (DWDM) links. Moreover, they are increasingly being used in regional and metro networks also. CATV networks use EDFAs to boost video signals, allowing distribution to more users at longer distances and reducing the cost per subscriber.