Our vendor PacketLight Networks
PacketLight Networks supplies compact DWDM transponders and muxponders for optical transport over dark fibre. Layer 1 encryption (OLE, Optical Layer Encryption) is integrated directly into the hardware: the light signal is encrypted before it leaves the equipment. Distri X distributes PacketLight products and provides support for the design of optical transport layers.
DWDM transmission: transponders and muxponders
DWDM (Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing) transmits multiple signals, each at its own wavelength, over the same fibre. PacketLight supplies transponders that convert a client signal (10G, 100G, 200G or 400G) to a specific DWDM wavelength. Muxponders combine multiple lower speeds: a 4x100G muxponder combines four 100G signals into a single 400G channel.
The PL-2000 series is compact (1U) and features integrated optical amplification and management. The platforms are designed for metro and data centre interconnects.
Layer 1 encryption: encryption of the light signal itself
OLE (Optical Layer Encryption) encrypts the signal before it leaves the equipment at a wavelength outside the traffic band. Anyone tapping into the fibre optic cable via a fibre bend will intercept encrypted light. Without the cryptographic key, the signal cannot be reconstructed.
That is what sets OLE apart from TLS, IPsec or MACsec: these encrypt the data but leave the optical signal itself unencrypted. The encryption operates at line speed via dedicated hardware and adds less than one microsecond of latency.
When is PacketLight a good fit?
PacketLight is relevant for organisations that transmit sensitive data over dark fibre running through public areas. Cable ducts beneath roads, service rooms and car parks are physically accessible to third parties. Layer 1 encryption is also relevant for NIS2 compliance and sector-specific regulations that require encryption in transit.
Our partnership with PacketLight Networks
Distri X distributes PacketLight. We calculate link budgets based on fibre-optic specifications and distances, advise on the choice of transponder types and provide support with encryption configuration. Would you like to know how OLE fits into your transport network? We’d be happy to help you work it out.
Vendor? Let’s talk.
We are looking for vendors who are able to adapt quickly and who believe in relationships over transactions. Please send us your proposal. We will reply within one working day.
