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Optical circuit switching for test lab automation

Bringing flexibility and costs savings to the network test lab environment.

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Dynamic fiber layer management for network test lab automation

At HUBER+SUHNER, we understand you need to get more out of your network system test resources due to the rising demand for test capacity. Using traditional layer 2/3 infrastructure to interconnect equipment test beds adds complexity, is prohibitively expensive, and equipment needs to be upgraded every time traffic speeds or formats change. In place of traditional interconnects, the integration of optical circuit switching provides a transparent, user-configurable fiber layer that is fully independent of test traffic formats or bit rates.  Keep reading to learn more about how you can meet challenging test cycle turnaround times. 

Benefits of automating the test lab

Save Money

Reduced CAPEX and OPEX

CAPEX savings of 50% or more are achievable, and reduced cabling and overall test times mean lower staff costs.

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Improved accuracy

Tests are conducted with a high degree or accuracy and repeatability. 

Time Saving

Time to market

Increases efficiency and reduces test times means devices can be approved for operation sooner. 

Application

Automating test lab infrastructure supported by optical circuit switching


Connecting devices under test with test equipment through an optical circuit switch, allied to test automation software,  enables test labs to be operated remotely and work round the clock. Sharing of test resources and reduction of manual intervention accelerate the ROI. Adding RF-over-Fiber capability means radio devices can also be tested more efficiently and at lower cost.


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Future proof


Optical circuit switches are agnostic to signal type, protocol and bit rates so no need to replace or upgrade as network performance advances.

Higher quality cross-connects


Reducing manual patching and the need for repeated plugging/unplugging leads to more reliable connections. 

Lower running costs


POLATIS optical circuit switches consume much less power than routers and packet switches.



Learn more about the advantages this application offers by scrolling down to the bottom of this page and downloading the HUBER+SUHNER white paper today!

The POLATIS® advantage

Ideally suited to the test lab environment, POLATIS has significant advantages over other all-optical (OOO) and optical-electrical-optical (OEO) switching solutions in network test lab applications, including:

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POLATIS OCS GUI screenshot
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Lowest optical loss and superior performance

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The industry’s lowest optical loss and superior performance in repeatability and stability for the highest quality and most reliable test results.

Easy integration with test orchestration software

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Multiple interfaces available to integrate with test orchestration software and  product-specific drivers available for leading third party solutions.

Enhanced function for lab operations

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Optional optical power monitors enable monitoring of power levels through the switch on an individual port basis. Variable optical attenuation allows power levels to be adjusted to protect sensitive equipment. “Shutter” function can mimic fiber breaks for network resilience testing.

Products

POLATIS 7000i Optical Circuit Switch


  • Matrix sizes from 8x8 to 192x192
  •  Also available as single-sided (NxCC)
  •  Low insertion loss and fast switching
  •  Switches up to 96x96 with “Ultra” performance for even lower insertion loss
  •  Protocol and bit-rate agnostic to 400 Gbs and beyond
  •  Patented DirectLightTM beam-steering
  • Dark fiber switching and bidirectional optics
  • Web GUI, Command Line Interfaces and SDN enabled (RESTCONF, NETCONF)
  •  Optional Optical Power Monitoring and Variable Optical Attenuation
  •  Dual redundant power supplies and Network Interface Cards
HS FO POLATIS 7000 Series 384x384 LC 8RU Fiber optic switching

POLATIS 6000i Optical Circuit Switch


  • Matrix sizes from 8x8 to 192x192
  • Also available as single-sided (NxCC)
  • Low insertion loss and fast switching
  • Switches up 96x96 with “Ultra” option for even lower insertion loss
  • Protocol and bit-rate agnostic to 400 Gbs and beyond
  • Patented DirectLightTM beam-steering
  • Dark fiber switching and bidirectional optics
  • Web GUI, Command Line Interfaces and SDN enabled (RESTCONF, NETCONF)
  • Optional Optical Power Monitoring and Variable Optical Attenuation
  • Dual redundant power supplies and Network Interface Cards
HS FO POLATIS 6000 Series 192X192 LC 6RU Fiber optic switching

White paper

The introduction of optical circuit switching to the network test lab environment brings flexibility and cost savings. Learn how by downloading our white paper today. 

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Network test lab animation

Learn more

Check out this video to learn more about the advantages this application offers.

Related Documents

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White paper
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Contact us

We're only an email away. Feel free to contact us with questions on how you can bring flexibility and cost savings to the network test lab environment.