MediaLight™
Xponder
Product Overview
XKL’s MediaLight Xponder™ is an all-in-one Layer 1 media converter and transponder system. In place of a rigid line-card approach, network operators have the flexibility to swap client optics in order to migrate from 100GE to 400GE.
With an updated form factor, the Xponder provides three times higher port density for any mix of media conversion and transponding.
All systems undergo customer topology replication testing, which duplicates the unique network environment, from fiber distance to topology, in XKL’s labs to guarantee hardware performance.
Integrate the MediaLight Xponder with XKL’s DWDM solutions or add it seamlessly to your existing hardware to enhance your entire Layer 1 network.
- Zero cost software updates.
- Integrated optical components for small footprint.
- Covers future hardware needs with 100G-4.8Tb+ support.
- Available for shipment in 2026.
Technical Features
Integrated System Architecture:
- Optical Transponder and Media Converter Solution—integrated systems architecture.
- Fully integrated 12-port system with built-in OTDR.
System Level Features:
- Hot-swap components:
- 1+1 redundant power supplies, supports AC and DC.
- Redundant fans.
- Optical transceivers: QSFP-DD.
- Field-replaceable dual flash storage modules; one is write-protected
- Hitless software upgrades—no customer data loss.
- System-wide watchdog timer to ensure software response.
XKL Solution Implementations
100G LR4 Conversion
This initial configuration can grow up to a total of 1.6T line side capacity. Aggregating 4x100G LR4 to 1x400G DWDM, fill in additional ports as-needed for extra LR4 handoffs.
400G Client Handoffs
Swap out optics to support 400G handoffs through the easily accessible front-panel. Avoid a full rip-and-replace with a hitless shift from 100G client transceivers to 400G for simpler upgrades.
XKL MediaLight Xponder: FAQ
What baseline hardware interfaces and optical form factors does the MediaLight Xponder support?
The platform features front-panel, hot-swappable client and line-side slots supporting a disaggregated optic strategy. Key interface configurations include:
- Client Interfaces: Support for legacy and modern rates including 100G (e.g., LR4) up to 400G.
- Line-Side Interfaces: The MediaLight Xponder supports 100G QSFP28 and 400G QSFP-DD form factors, in both grey or DWDM.
What is the primary function and line capacity of the XKL MediaLight Xponder?
The XKL MediaLight Xponder (DFX) is an integrated 1RU Layer 1 media converter and optical transponder that delivers up to 4.8T total line capacity for high-density networks.
- Total Line Capacity: 4.8Tb in 1RU chassis, providing three times higher density.
- Layer 1 Media Conversion: Converts any optic into any other optic operating at the same data rate, whether 100G or 400G. Below is a list of transceivers that are supported for conversions through the MediaLight Xponder. Inquire about additional interface types through sales@xkl.com: LR4, FR4, DR4, LR, FR, DR, ZR, ZR+, ER4, SR4, DR, FR.
- Flexible 12-Port System: Operates across a 12-port chassis designed for high-throughput, low-latency optical links with easy redeployment capabilities as your network demands evolve.
How does the XKL MediaLight Xponder simplify migrating from 100G to 400G client handoffs?
The XKL MediaLight Xponder simplifies migration from 100G to 400G client handoffs by utilizing denser, front-panel QSFP-DD optical transceivers instead of sleds.
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Pluggable QSFP-DD Optics: Enables network operators to aggregate 4x100G LR4 client handoffs to 1x400G DWDM line waves.
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Hitless Client Migration: Supports upgrades from 100GE client transceivers to native 400GE client handoffs as bandwidth scales.
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No Rip and Replace: Eliminates full network rip-and-replace when upgrading client handoff speeds.
What are the shipping lead times and supply availability for the XKL MediaLight Xponder?
The XKL MediaLight Xponder is shipping now with short lead times, providing an immediate deployment alternative to multi-month supply chain delays from legacy optical vendors.
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US Manufacturing: Designed, built, and pre-tested in the United States to eliminate overseas shipping bottlenecks.
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Fast Field Turn-Up: Optical components are pre-configured to meet urgent fiscal deadlines, AI cluster builds, and network expansions.
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Avoid Lead Time Delays: Bypasses equipment supply chain disruptions and lengthy optical hardware lead times from legacy vendors.
How does XKL’s topology replication testing ensure low-touch field installation for the MediaLight Xponder?
Every XKL MediaLight Xponder undergoes customer topology replication testing within XKL’s manufacturing facilities prior to shipment to ensure low-touch deployment.
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Exact Network Duplication: XKL engineers duplicate the customer’s exact fiber distance, optical loss profile, and network topology in the lab.
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Pre-Validated Hardware: Validates performance prior to shipping to eliminate dead-on-arrival component issues through full system integration testing.
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Fast Turn-Up: Allows network engineering teams to turn up live traffic in a short time.
Can the XKL MediaLight Xponder deploy as an alien wavelength over existing DWDM line systems?
Yes, the XKL MediaLight Xponder operates as an alien wavelength over third-party open line systems (OLS) in brownfield optical networks.
- Line-System Interoperability: Overlays directly onto legacy Cisco, Ciena, or Nokia optical line systems without amplifier replacement.
- Built-in Optical Diagnostics: Features integrated Optical Time-Domain Reflectometry (OTDR) for instant, real-time fiber fault location.
How does the MediaLight Xponder handle software management, upgrades, and licensing?
The platform operates on a license-free software and feature model, eliminating recurring port-activation fees or feature licenses. It supports hitless software updates with zero data loss, governed by a system-wide hardware watchdog timer. Management is achieved via an NMS-agnostic framework utilizing standard SNMP and a CLI, and open management protocols.
- Zero License Fees: Features hitless software upgrades with no recurring port licenses or software subscription fees.
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