Universiti Teknologi Malaysia selects Transmode

UTM is an innovation-led and graduate-focused research university and takes a leading role in Malaysia's national high technology development strategies. To further develop UTM's capabilities within the optical networking R'n'D community, the university is developing an advanced and scalable optical communication research facility. UTM aims to support existing research activities and also to provide an enhanced training facility on optical communication systems and networking technology. To support this activity, Transmode will be deploying the TM-Series platform with ROADM units to enable cost optimized Flexible Optical Networking supporting layer 1 and layer 2 packet-optical traffic.

Transmode has provided ROADM nodes that are built for dynamic network applications and allow hitless wavelength allocation and a future proof traffic design. In addition, the network includes packet-optical Layer 2 units that are designed to integrate Ethernet functionality in optical networks and reduce the need for additional expensive and complex equipment.

The network equipment has been supplied, installed and commissioned by Transmode and its local partner, Sigtech, at the Photonics Characterization Research Laboratory in UTM's Faculty of Electrical Engineering. When completed in the first half of 2014, the new network will provide optical engineering students with an innovative test-bed environment and training center. Masters and PhD students will be able to use the test-bed to test hardware and software designs in a realistic network environment. UTM plans to continue to expand the network with nodes in other universities and research establishments to expand the university's connectivity.

Associate Professor Dr. Sevia Mahdaliza Idrus, at UTM said, "Our aim is to build a network which includes a test-bed facility quickly and efficiently. We needed one that is based on optical equipment that offers flexibility in traffic switching at the wavelength and Ethernet layers, so that our engineering students can have hands-on access to the latest technologies. Amongst the commercially available solution providers, Transmode stood out as their packet-optical system met our specifications perfectly, including high ease-of-use which is instrumental in supporting our objectives."

Mark Stevens, Vice President Asia Pacific, Transmode, also commented "This is a win of great significance to Transmode in the Asia Pacific region, as it is our first in the region's education sector. On a broader level, it demonstrates the relevance of Transmode's solutions to a wide range of vertical markets and our ability to deliver versatile, cost-effective and easy-to-use solutions to them. We look forward to making the network one that will support UTM in helping its students achieve excellence in science and technology."