The Alcatel‑Lucent 1626 Light Manager (LM) is a robust DWDM (Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing) platform, engineered for 10 G and 40 G service delivery across regional, long‑haul terrestrial, and unrepeatered submarine networks. With support for up to 96 wavelength channels, it delivers unmatched scalability and legacy compatibility, making it ideal for carriers and enterprises maintaining mission-critical backbone infrastructure.

Key Features & Technical Insights

Fully Tunable & Reconfigurable (T‑ROADM)

Utilizing wavelength selective switch (WSS) architecture, the 1626 LM enables dynamic photonic switching and tuning—letting operators terminate or reroute any wavelength anywhere in the network without manual intervention, vastly improving provisioning flexibility and time‑to‑service.

Zero Touch Photonics

Its advanced automation tools simplify planning, configuration, and wavelength commissioning—minimizing provisioning errors and operational overhead. “Any client to any wavelength” capability ensures future‑ready agility.

Coherent 40G Modulation

Compatibility with PDM‑BPSK coherent modulation enables seamless coexistence of 40 G services alongside existing 10 G infrastructure. This allows operators to progressively upgrade capacity without compromising legacy traffic channels.

Support for GMPLS

Integration with GMPLS enhances network resilience and enables photonic restoration mechanisms, ensuring uptime in protected or meshed topologies.

Comprehensive Network Management

Fully managed via Alcatel‑Lucent’s 1350 Optical Management System (OMS), the 1626 LM supports the complete lifecycle from design to deployment, and operations across linear, ring, and mesh network configurations.

Why It Matters: Real‑World Benefits

• Scalable & future‑proof: Expand routing to 96 wavelengths with seamless mixing of 10G and 40G services.
• Operational efficiency: Provision new services in minutes using zero‑touch provisioning.
• Cost‑effective legacy retention: Maintain existing fiber routes without expensive, disruptive equipment changes.
• Reliable for long‑distance transport: Built to support unrepeatered submarine deployments and continental spans.
• Resilience & flexibility: Rerouting and restoration capabilities minimize downtime and improve service continuity.

Best Fit Use Cases

• Telecom operators maintaining legacy DWDM lines while upgrading capacity.
• Enterprise and metro backbone networks requiring high‑density wavelength management.
• Submarine link operators needing equipment that supports very long‑reach optical transport.
• Network architects planning optical networks with scalable automation and dynamic routing.

Deployment & Support Landscape

Although the 1626 LM is a legacy platform, it is still supported by third‑party specialists such as Carritech, offering refurbished hardware, parts support, system integration, and lifecycle services.

Conclusion

The Alcatel‑Lucent 1626 Light Manager (LM) remains a relevant and effective solution for DWDM networking. With its T‑ROADM flexibility, coherent 40 G capability, and zero‑touch management, it provides a robust, future‑aware way to leverage existing fiber infrastructure while accommodating growing traffic demands.