Alcatel-Lucent LambdaXtreme WWBQ21 40G Optical Transponder

The Alcatel‑Lucent LambdaXtreme WWBQ21 (S1:3B, PRNCD WOOMAN5CAD) is a high‑capacity 40 Gbps optical transponder module designed for DWDM (Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing) and OTN (Optical Transport Network) systems. This module maps 40G client signals (such as OC‑768/STM‑256, 40G Ethernet, or 40G Fibre Channel) into an optical carrier for transport over long‑haul and metro fiber networks. It provides advanced FEC, tunable DWDM laser, and comprehensive performance monitoring.

Overview

The WWBQ21 transponder is part of the LambdaXtreme 1600 series optical transport platform. It accepts client signals via pluggable optics (CFP or QSFP+) and converts them to a standard OTU‑3 or OTU‑4 signal (depending on the variant) with G.709 FEC. The module features a tunable DWDM transmitter that can be set to any C‑band channel on a 50 GHz grid. It includes optical channel monitoring, pre‑FEC BER measurement, and alarm handling for proactive network maintenance.

Key Features

• Client interfaces: 40G Ethernet, OC‑768/STM‑256, 40G Fibre Channel

• Line rate: 43.018 Gbps (OTU‑3 with FEC) or 44.58 Gbps (OTU‑4)

• Tunable DWDM laser (C‑band, 50 GHz grid)

• Integrated G.709 FEC (Reed‑Solomon)

• Performance monitoring: pre‑FEC BER, OSNR, optical power

• Hot‑swappable and field‑replaceable

• Management via TL1, SNMP, and CLI

Technical Specifications

• Line Rate: 43.018 Gbps (OTU‑3) or 44.58 Gbps (OTU‑4)

• Client Interfaces: 1x CFP or QSFP+ slot

• Wavelength Range: 1530‑1565 nm (tunable, 50 GHz spacing)

• Transmit Power: -1 to +3 dBm

• Receiver Sensitivity: -20 dBm (for 10⁻⁵ BER after FEC)

• FEC Gain: > 6 dB

• Power Consumption: 60 W typical

• Operating Temperature: 0°C to 45°C

• Dimensions: Standard LambdaXtreme slot format

Applications

This transponder is used in long‑haul and metro DWDM networks to transport 40G services, such as high‑speed Ethernet, storage, and video distribution, over existing fiber infrastructure.

Integration and Management

The module integrates with the LambdaXtreme network management system, providing wavelength provisioning, performance monitoring, and fault isolation.

Installation and Maintenance

Install the module into the chassis, insert the client optics, connect the DWDM fiber, and configure wavelength and parameters via software. Maintenance includes cleaning optical connectors and monitoring performance data.

Conclusion

The Alcatel‑Lucent LambdaXtreme WWBQ21 40G transponder delivers high‑capacity, reliable optical transport for the most demanding DWDM networks.