Opnext, Inc. (NASDAQ:OPXT), a global leader in high speed optical communications technology, and SURFnet, the National Research and Education Network (NREN) in the Netherlands, today announced a successful 100Gbps coherent field trial between the National Supercomputing Center, SARA, in Amsterdam and CERN (Conseil Européen pour la Recherche Nucléaire - European Organization for Nuclear Research) in Geneva. Opnext used its OTS-100FLX 100Gbps digital coherent subsystem for the field trial, utilizing next-generation 100Gbps single carrier technology and soft decision forward error correction (SD-FEC) to optically link Amsterdam to Geneva with a transmission distance of 1,650km using only erbium doped fiber amplifiers (EDFAs).

To further demonstrate the subsystem's performance, the embedded fiber link comprised a combination of the relatively high-nonlinear TW+ and TWRS fibers. Furthermore, the circuit was optically looped back in Geneva, thus creating a 3,300km circuit. The looped-back 3,300km link operated error-free for more than 23 hours (BER<10-15) over the entire C-band and over a range of launch powers, highlighting the true upgrade potential of this link to 8Tbps in the future using 100Gbps coherent transponders.

"This trial is another clear demonstration that coherent 100Gbps PM-QPSK transmission technology is tolerant to a very large range of impairments (i.e. chromatic dispersion, polarization mode dispersion, noise) and allows the use of alien wavelengths in research networks over DWDM systems from multiple vendors," said Roeland Nuijts, Optical Network Architect for SURFnet. "Transmission distance and tolerance against different impairments will be critical going forward as we look to build out international networks across geographic and administrative borders in order to realize a global facility for research networking."

The Opnext subsystem consists of a suite of OTS-100FLX 100Gbps flexponder line cards and a newly released OTS-mini ETSI shelf with a 4RU small form factor.

"It is great to see the results of our 100Gbps coherent product development deliver both the capacity and reach needed to scale next-generation optical networks around the world," said Mike Chan, President of Opnext's subsystems business unit. "SURFnet's 3,300km field trial really pushed us, and our 100Gbps coherent technology met the challenge."

About SURFnet

SURFnet is the National Research & Education Network (NREN) organization in The Netherlands. SURFnet develops and provides innovative services for education and research in the field of a hybrid network infrastructure, trusted identity and a pioneering collaboration environment. SURFnet provides access to these services to over one million users in higher education and research in The Netherlands. SURFnet is part of SURF, the collaborative organization for higher education institutions and research institutes, which are together working on breakthrough innovations in ICT. More information can be found at www.surfnet.nl/en/.

About Opnext

Opnext (NASDAQ:OPXT) is the optical technology partner of choice supplying systems providers and OEMs worldwide with one of the industry's largest portfolios of 10Gbps and higher next generation optical products and solutions. The Company's industry expertise, future-focused thinking and commitment to research and development combine in bringing to market the most advanced technology to the communications, defense, security and biomedical industries. Formed out of Hitachi, Opnext has built on more than 30 years of experience in advanced technology to establish its broad portfolio of solutions and solid reputation for excellence in service and delivering value to its customers. For additional information, visit www.opnext.com.

(OPXT-G)

WilkinsonShein Communications
Keira Shein, 410-363-9494
keira@wilkinsonshein.com
or
Opnext, Inc.
Deborah Reinert, 510-249-6033
dreinert@opnext.com