Nortel delays switch debut

Nortel Networks has postponed indefinitely the release of a large-scale optical switch for optical networks, the company announced this week. Known as the OPTera ConnectPX, the switch was acquired through the purchase of privately held Xros in 2000.

Nortel plans to focus on the HDX optical switch, which is more in line with today’s market needs, according to the company. The OPTera Connect PX, at the time of its purchase from Xros, was lauded for its ability to direct data in the form of light through large optical networks. The Xros deal was part of Nortel’s massive $12.3 billion write-down in the second quarter of last year.

Nortel did not provide a timeline for the switch’s debut and did not indicate whether it would incur additional charges as a result of the delay.

--Amalia D. Parthenios, staff writer