Bridging the Distance: How EPS Global Empowered BrasilNET to Go Amplifier-Free on a 60km Link
At EPS Global, we believe that true partnership goes beyond simply supplying components. It's about understanding our clients' deepest challenges, connecting them with world-class technology, and being there on the ground to ensure their success. We recently had the opportunity to do just that with our innovative client, BrasilNET, and our technology partner, Finisar (Coherent Corp.), in a groundbreaking field test that is set to redefine what's possible for network scalability.
The Challenge: Scaling Smarter, Not Harder
BrasilNET is a forward-thinking Internet Service Provider in Brazil, known for its commitment to pushing technological boundaries. Like many ISPs, they faced the classic challenge: how to increase network capacity and extend reach without undertaking a costly and complex infrastructure overhaul. Their network, which utilized standard gray optics and passive MUXs, was performing well, but they knew a smarter path to future growth was needed—one that didn't rely on deploying expensive amplifiers across their expanding footprint.
Felipe, BrasilNET's CIO, put it perfectly: they were looking for an intelligent way to invest, a solution that could deliver higher capacity on their existing fiber and seamlessly integrate into their current infrastructure.
The Solution: Introducing Coherent Technology in a Game-Changing Form Factor
This is where EPS Global stepped in. We listened to BrasilNET's vision and knew we had the perfect solution: the Finisar Coherent QSFP28 Transceiver.
Unlike standard transceivers that transmit simple on/off light pulses (representing a "1" or a "0"), coherent technology modulates the amplitude, phase, and polarization of the light. This allows a single pulse of light to carry at least four times the information, dramatically increasing data capacity. More importantly, it's incredibly resilient to signal degradation, making it ideal for long-distance links without amplification.
Key Innovations of the Finisar Module
- Integrated DSP: It features an onboard Digital Signal Processor (DSP) that actively corrects signal impairments, a feature typically found only in large, expensive line cards.
- QSFP28 Form Factor: All this power is packed into a standard, hot-pluggable QSFP28 module, allowing for direct integration into existing switches and routers.
- Low Power Consumption: It operates within a standard power budget (around 5W), eliminating the need for chassis upgrades.
The Field Test: Putting Theory into Practice
A spec sheet is one thing; real-world performance is everything. Our Commercial Engineer, Wellyson, traveled to BrasilNET's operations in the mountainous region of Rio de Janeiro to conduct a rigorous field test.
The goal was ambitious: to establish a 60km link without a single amplifier, using BrasilNET's existing passive MUX infrastructure.
We didn't just test under ideal lab conditions. To prove the module's robustness, we deployed it in a POP that lacked climate control, subjecting it to real-world temperature fluctuations.
Outstanding Test Results
- Flawless Performance: The 60km link was established successfully and remained stable, proving the amplifier-free concept.
- Excellent Thermals: The coherent module ran at temperatures comparable to—and in some cases, even cooler than—standard gray QSFP28 modules.
- Seamless Integration: It worked perfectly with BrasilNET's existing 100GHz MUXs, demonstrating true backward compatibility and protecting their initial investment.
As Felipe noted, the test "proved to us the great path this solution has," validating its potential not just for their network, but for the market as a whole.
The Impact: A New Paradigm for Network Growth
This successful field test is more than just a technical achievement. It represents a new paradigm for ISPs. By leveraging coherent technology in a simple, pluggable form factor, network operators can:
- Drastically Reduce CapEx: Eliminate the need for expensive optical amplifiers and dedicated DWDM chassis.
- Accelerate Deployment: Upgrade network capacity by simply swapping transceivers in existing equipment.
- Lower OpEx: Reduce power consumption and simplify network management.
- Future-Proof the Network: Build a scalable foundation for future services without costly rip-and-replace cycles.
At EPS Global, we are proud to have facilitated this success story. It is a perfect example of our mission: to serve as a vital bridge between leading-edge technology manufacturers like Finisar and innovative clients like BrasilNET. We don't just move boxes; we enable progress.