First of all, understand with the video, what is the Flextune™ function? (3 minutes)

Inventory Management and Operations Challenges Solved by Flextune™ Capabilities

As the demand for bandwidth continues to grow, service provider network infrastructures are using a technique called Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM). The advantage of configuring a network with DWDM is that it is possible to connect bases with a single optical fiber. Operational costs, which increase as the transmission distance increases, can be greatly reduced by adopting DWDM.

On the other hand, however, managing the inventory of optical transceiver modules with different model numbers for each wavelength is a considerable burden for field operators. On the other hand, by adopting a tunable optical transceiver that can set the wavelength, the problem of inventory management can be solved, but there is a possibility that many problems will arise in terms of operation due to the need for manual setting work. .

A function called “Flextune™” was introduced to solve these problems. This is a unique function patented by Coherent, and by using a tunable optical transceiver module equipped with this function and MUX/DEMUX, wavelength setting can be completed automatically. This makes it possible to solve inventory management issues and wavelength setting operational issues.

Figure: DWDM configuration diagram using an optical transceiver module equipped with Flextune™

In the case above, each MUX/DEMUX channel passes only the corresponding wavelength and filters everything else.

For example, a Flextune™-equipped optical transceiver module connected to the CH3 link scans wavelengths in order of λ1, λ2, and λ3, and communicates to the opposite side at λ3. When the opposing optical transceiver module receives the light, it scans the wavelength at high speed in order of λ1, λ2, and λ3 and returns ACK. When the optical transceiver module being scanned receives ACK, it stops scanning and determines the wavelength. Scanning can be repeated in this way to complete automatic settings for all channels in a few minutes.

List of Flextune™ compatible products

Flextune™ Solves Inventory Management and Operations Challenges

Adopting an optical transceiver module with the Flextune™ function not only makes it possible to deal with the same product without having to carry multiple types of inventory, but also eliminates human error at the site and improves work efficiency. Many customers say, "I chose Coherent because I want to use this function."​

Not only those who are worried about inventory and operation in network construction, but also those who are considering upgrading bandwidth, please consider products equipped with the Flextune™ function. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us using the form below.