Proximion’s first product, the optical layer monitor WISTOM, is the next generation test and measurement device to detect, locate, and isolate any faults in the optical networks.

 The filter exhibits superb characteristics; resolution of the device is sufficiently accurate for 25 GHz channel spacing and fast enough for protection switching. The total scan time across is less than 0.1 ms. Deployed as an optical performance monitor, WISTOM allows the detection of a faulty or degrading network component and enables re-routing before the 50 ms SONET buffer has been exhausted and the communication breaks down.

WISTOM’s highly adaptable software and interfaces makes system integration simple and convenient. As a standalone unit it is deployed in minutes and can monitor DWDM channels in any kind of network. A new optical switch function enables WISTOM to monitor up to 16 fibers simultaneously, thus increasing monitoring coverage at a minimal cost.

Examples of network applications for WISTOM include signal power and wavelength verification and equalization control after add/drop nodes, feedback control for gain equalization at amplification nodes, signal verification and troubleshooting during commissioning, and fault localization. Furthermore, WISTOM is a superb SLA (Service Layer Agreement) supervisor and provides means for differentiated billing in optical networks.