Huawei Marine Announces Commercial Availability of 2nd generation Repeater and Branching Unit

Huawei Marine Networks Co. Ltd. (Huawei Marine) announced the commercial availability of its 2nd generation repeater and branching unit for subsea turnkey global telecommunication networks. The optical repeater provides solutions for regional and long haul systems that need high performance and reliability with two, four and six fiber pair solutions coupled with a unique pump redundancy architecture design.

Through a comprehensive product design, life testing and validation process the 2nd generation (RPT 1660) product has been built upon the proven success of its first generation subsea products (deployed in several live commercial systems). This technology utilizes a slim-line compact repeater housing that greatly reduces the operational cost associated with repeater integration and loading and offers improved plough burial performance. In short, end users gain access to unique benefits and therefore can leverage the whole lifecycle cost savings associated with turnkey solutions, with this innovative product set.

The Branching Unit (BU 1650), designed for applications with optical submarine cable systems provides users with the flexibility to service multi landing points, or future proof designs when landing points are yet to be defined. These robust units offer power switching and optical switching capability (up to 8 fiber pairs), managed through a single network management system that offers customers a single touch point to control and monitor subsea and terrestrial networks.

The combination of the optical repeater and branching unit engineered with proven universal joint (UJ) technology provides customers cost effective solutions and leverages technological advancements in the field of sub-sea communication. Coupled with a titanium housing, the optical repeater and branching unit offers a mechanical robust design with light weight and improved strength.

"Huawei Marine is constantly working on innovative technology developments that support our customers' requirements for lower cost and higher capacity," explained Nigel Bayliff, CEO of Huawei Marine. "The development of the second generation RPT 1660 and BU 1650 are our latest design breakthroughs of unequalled capability, and the products are already proving their commercial significance."

Huawei Marine is a joint venture between Huawei and Global Marine Systems. The RPT1660 and BU 1650 were jointly designed by the two companies. "Combining Huawei's technological core skills in optical transmission with Global Marine's experience in marine installation and maintenance has been a truly remarkable combinational set of skills that has helped realize this milestone," explained Bayliff.