The Alcatel 1696 MS (Metro Span) is a compact and flexible Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) solution engineered for metro-core and metro-access networks. Designed to deliver high channel density in a small footprint, the platform supports a fully populated legacy configuration of 32 protected (or 64 unprotected) DWDM channels, offering a cost-effective upgrade path for high-capacity metropolitan transport needs.
Highly versatile in topology support, the Metro Span platform operates in point-to-point, ring, or mesh configurations—ideal for network expansion and flexible deployment. It provides protocol transparency for all client signals, managing different service types and traffic matrices while maintaining cost optimization.
The Alcatel 1696 MS is fully manageable and suitable for scaling metro-regional connectivity. Its compact design, combined with high-channel density and protocol-independence, makes it especially suitable for service providers seeking to deploy or expand DWDM services in dense urban transport environments.
Carritech supports the 1696 MS with spare part supply, repair services, and technical support, enabling operators to maintain and extend the operational life of their DWDM infrastructure.
High-Density DWDM Support
Accommodates up to 64 unprotected or 32 protected DWDM channels on a single fiber pair, maximizing bandwidth and fiber utilization.
Compact, Modular Design
Space-efficient platform suitable for metro-access and metro-core installations, with scalable architecture to support growing capacity needs.
Protocol Transparency
Transports a wide range of client signals, including SDH/SONET, Ethernet, Fibre Channel, and other data rates without protocol conversion.
Flexible Topology Options
Supports point-to-point, ring, and mesh configurations for seamless integration into diverse network designs.
Cost-Effective Network Expansion
Ideal for adding DWDM capacity in existing fiber infrastructure, reducing the need for additional fiber deployments.
Amplifier and Regenerator Support
Compatible with optical amplifiers and regenerators to extend reach and enhance signal integrity over long distances.
Integrated Add/Drop Capabilities
Enables selective wavelength insertion and extraction at intermediate nodes, supporting efficient traffic distribution.
Carrier-Grade Reliability
Designed for high availability with built-in redundancy options and robust fault management capabilities.
Centralized Management
Fully manageable via Alcatel-Lucent’s optical network management systems, supporting provisioning, monitoring, and maintenance.
Long-Term Support
Backed by Carritech with global spare part availability, repair services, and engineering support for continued system lifecycle performance.
The Alcatel 1696 MS is a Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) transport platform designed for metro and regional optical networks. It supports up to 64 unprotected channels or 32 protected channels per fiber pair, operating across the standard ITU-T DWDM grid with 100 GHz or 50 GHz spacing. Each wavelength can carry a variety of client protocols and bit rates, making the system protocol-transparent and suitable for mixed-service environments.
The platform is designed to handle a wide range of optical transport services including SDH/SONET, Gigabit Ethernet, Fibre Channel, and asynchronous protocols, with support for client signals ranging from STM-1/OC-3 to STM-64/OC-192 and 10G Ethernet. Multiplexing and demultiplexing modules, along with integrated optical add/drop multiplexers (OADMs), allow flexible service delivery at various points within the network.
Topology support includes point-to-point, linear add/drop, ring, and mesh configurations. Optical amplifiers and dispersion compensation modules can be added to extend transmission distances and maintain signal quality over long-haul links.
The system is modular and compact, designed for ETSI-compliant rack installations, and available in various shelf configurations depending on deployment needs. Redundancy options include protected transponders and optical channel protection mechanisms to ensure service continuity.
Management and control of the 1696 MS are provided via Alcatel-Lucent’s network management suite, which enables centralized provisioning, performance monitoring, fault management, and configuration of DWDM services across the network. The platform also supports remote software updates and inventory tracking.
Power is typically supplied via dual –48V DC feeds, with passive or active cooling depending on the hardware variant and environmental requirements. The platform meets standard telecom environmental tolerances for deployment in central offices, controlled remote locations, or network edge sites.
| Period | Owner / Marketer | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Early 2000s – 2006 | Alcatel | Original development and launch of the 1696 MS (Metro Span), a compact DWDM platform supporting up to 32 channels (protected) or 64 unprotected, designed for metro‑core and metro‑access deployments. |
| 2006 – 2016 | Alcatel‑Lucent | Continued marketing, firmware releases (e.g. Rel 2.2, Rel 4.2), and global support under the Alcatel‑Lucent brand following the 2006 merger. |
| 2016 – Present | Nokia | After Nokia’s acquisition of Alcatel‑Lucent in 2016, the 1696 MS became part of Nokia’s legacy product portfolio—documentation, spare parts, and support have been maintained under Nokia branding. |
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From expert maintenance and repair to reliable part sourcing and technical consultation, we provide comprehensive support for every stage of your network’s lifecycle. Whether you’re extending the life of legacy systems or integrating with modern infrastructure, our team ensures seamless, efficient, and cost-effective solutions—so you can focus on performance, not problems.