SRD 5 — new optical module programmer

10/4/2024

Salumanus announces the launch of Smart Recode Device 5 GBC Photonics (SRD 5). It is an optical module programmer that allows you to save thousands of dollars on the management of optical networks. With SRD 5, you can change module configurations from your smartphone.

With the development of networks, the demand for optical modules increases significantly. According to research firm Industry Research, the annual growth rate of the global optical modules market is 13.86%. The value of this market in 2029 is expected to reach more than $24 billion. That's twice as much as in 2022, when the tan market was valued at $11.38 billion.

Expenditure on optical modules and their replacement constitutes a significant part of the budget for the construction and maintenance of the network. Most carriers, ISPs and data centers use equipment from different providers. This creates the need to maintain a considerable stock of spare parts.

- Universal optical modules reduce the need for module storage. They can be encoded multiple times, adapting configurations to the current needs of the network. Now, thanks to SRD 5, engineers can program a universal module from a smartphone directly before installation — says Marcin Bała, CEO of Salumanus, owner of the GBC Photonics brand.

The telecommunication environment requires mobility and rapid response to change. The SRD 5 meets these expectations by offering built-in Bluetooth, which allows you to work on iOS and Android smartphones (via the SRD Go app). In addition, the SRD 5's compact housing makes it an ideal field tool that allows engineers to quickly intervene and respond to network needs. The device is supported by a private cloud with a constantly updated compatibility database. Today, there are more than 23,000 and the number is growing.

SRD 5 allows engineers to adapt devices to different network needs while ensuring full compatibility. The new programmer works with interfaces: OSFP (400G, 800G, 1.6T), QSFP-DD (400G, 800G), SFP-DD (100G), as well as the commonly used SFP (1G) /SFP+ (10G) /SFP28 (25G) /QSFP+ (40G) /QSFP28 (100G). It also allows you to configure channels of DWDM tunable modules.

- We want SRD 5 to support the network engineer in terms of compatibility selection and configuration. Thanks to this device, it will be possible to check the condition of the modules, their performance and detect possible errors — describes Michał Owca, product manager, responsible for the development of SRD.

Salumanus engineers have calculated that with three different network providers operating in six network areas, using the SRD 5 programmer can bring savings of up to $300,000 per year. Using the calculator on www.srd5.salumanus.com, you can calculate the savings that may arise from the implementation of SRD 5.