l + 2.5% accuracy l <+ 0.01 dB repeatability l + 0.006 dB polarization dependent response l Wavelength range of 800 nm to 1650 nm l GPIB commands compatible with ILX FPM- 8210 and Agilent 8163B l USB and GPIB computer interface FPM- 8220 Fiber Optic Power Meter The all new FPM- 8220 Fiber Optic Power Meter continues the tradition of ILX instrumentation by combining accurate, repeatable power measurements with low polarization dependence in a simple, easy to use instrument for R& D or manufacturing testing of fiber optic components and systems. For more information on these fiber optic power meters and technical information on calibration and accuracy of these meters, call 1- 800- 459- 9459; www. ilxlightwave. com. FEATURE Annual technology forecast 2013 YES, FIBER- OPTIC NETWORKS are getting faster and more flexible. But much of the opticalnetwork technology efforts in 2013 will focus on making intelligent use of these attributes. You’ll hear more talk next year about making networks “ applications aware.” That translates into the ability to set the right bandwidth, resiliency, and priority levels for individual services. Enabling such capabilities involves coordination of multiple layers on the OSI stack. Thus, you can expect to hear more about software- defined networks ( SDNs) and whether optical communications should embrace OpenFlow or chart its own direction. Regardless of the SDN approach, getting the control planes of equipment operating at different layers – particularly the optical and IP layers – to communicate with each other will prove essential. Several systems houses already have suggested how they’d accomplish this goal; these vary depending on where in the network such interaction takes place and whether the vendor thinks IP/ MPLS, Optical Transport Network ( OTN)/ GMPLS, or native Ethernet processes should star. The result is a hodgepodge of largely proprietary schemes. Expect to hear more calls for standardization in this area in 2013. More speed, please Meanwhile, 100 Gbps will become more ubiquitous, with the focus shifting to the metro/ regional. Many large vendors established positions this year on whether coherent transmission or direct detect is the way to go. Next year will see the vendors who specialize in metro/ regional transport make their calls. Our sense is that many feel coherent transmission is the end game, but some may offer direct detect technology as a transitional step. Finally, debates will continue over the best way to create CDC ROADMs. I left ECOC thinking a consensus had been established. However, a systems- vendor executive later told me he’s not so sure. Optical networks get smarter ___________________