The WDM-side rate of a traditional line board is fixed. This means that it supports only one line rate. For example, the WDM-side rate of a 10G line board is a fixed 10 Gbit/s.

 

As communications technologies develop, line boards that support multiple rates have been deployed. Currently, such line boards tend to be 100G/200G rate-programmable boards with two line rates. They process services at a WDM-side rate of either 100 Gbit/s or 200 Gbit/s. Users can modify board parameters to switch between the two rates as required.

 

To switch the rate from 100 Gbit/s to 200 Gbit/s, users need only modify board parameters on the NMS instead of having to replace the board.

 

What do you think about rate-programmable boards?

A good recommendation, but it is an expensive solution, considering customers smart investment in buy latest technology. We should re-consider this solution.