March 16, 2009

Allen, Texas - (March 17, 2009) – Xtera Communications has introduced the XLA network element,  part of its Nu-Wave XLS solution, which enables telecoms providers to extend the reach of long unrepeatered submarine systems. The XLA is placed in submarine landing stations and can eliminate the need for terrestrial DWDM backhaul in POP to POP applications and back to back terminals in festoon networks.

Transmitting bandwidth across long stretches of open water is much less expensive if unrepeatered submarine systems can be used. Today’s standard unrepeatered systems can typically transport high capacities over distances of up to 300 km. Xtera’s industry-leading Nu-Wave XLS submarine transmission system uses advanced Raman technology to enable an operator to transmit up to 500km without any repeaters.

However, in many cases the distance between POPs (or landing sites in festoon applications) is still too long. This is especially true in upgrade applications where the existing submarine cable may be of older vintage which usually reduces the total length possible. In the past, if the distance was too long the network operator would have to install either a DWDM backhaul system or back to back terminals in the landing station. Both of these options are expensive and require extra transponders for each wavelength added.

Xtera’s XLA network element does not require any additional transponders and can be installed in the landing station in place of either of these options. This not only significantly reduces the network cost but also dramatically reduces the space and power required at the landing station.

The XLA amplifier, part of the Nu-Wave XLS system, is the latest innovation in Xtera’s industry-leading portfolio of optical submarine solutions, spanning both repeatered and unrepeatered systems.

General Availability for the XLA is March 2009.

About Xtera Communications

Xtera Communications specializes in network infrastructure that delivers the highest capacity, reach and density. Our long-haul, Submarine, Metro and WAN technologies together with our deployment expertise drive customer success and long term value.

Xtera offers an extensive portfolio of Optical Transport solutions for long-haul, regional, metropolitan and sub-sea networks, and WAN Traffic Management solutions for both enterprise and telecom companies.  

With deployments in four continents, Xtera’s Optical Transport portfolio helps service providers worldwide reach new markets via new deployments, and extends the life of their existing network assets with cost-effective upgrades. Xtera‘s innovative Traffic Management solutions offer customers the best price/performance in network optimization.

Xtera delivers compelling advantage to its customers by maximising network capacity, reach and value. 
For more information, please visit www.xtera.com