Lynx Photonic Networks introduced a unique programmable splitter that could be used for building remotely re-configurable passive optical networks (PONs). The Lynx programmable splitter system allows carriers to dynamically split an optical signal and route it to multiple paths. In today’s passive splitter technology, the optical input is split into fixed, pre-determined proportions and cannot be changed. Lynx said its device lets carriers configure these ratios remotely from the central office and change them dynamically to meet varying application needs. Split ratios can be fine-tuned to a 1% resolution, and system configuration can be done remotely, without traffic disruption. The network operator can optimize their optical insertion loss budget by allocating less signal strength for shorter paths and more signal strength for drops that are further from the transmission point or last amplifier (the split ratio). This feature is known as “Programmable Signal Weighting”.
The system comprises an array of up to eight 1×4 programmable splitters, with a variety of connector choices. The splitters are transparent to bitrate and protocol format within a given optical spectrum (O-band; C-band; L-band, etc.) and therefore could be used for any type of PON. http://www.lynx-networks.com/
