Finisar Introduces a Small 1x2 (three port) 50/100 GHz Wavelength Selective Switch Optimized for Telecom Network Edge Applications

SUNNYVALE, CA and VIENNA, AUSTRIA--(Marketwire - September 21, 2009) - ECOC -- Finisar Corporation (NASDAQ: FNSR) today introduced its new Edge Wavelength Processor (EWP) 1x2 Wavelength Selective Switch (WSS). Based on Finisar's Liquid Crystal on Silicon (LCoS) technology, this new platform provides the same flexible programmability and reliability as Finisar's existing Dynamic Wavelength Processors (DWP), but its small size and low power consumption make it ideal for applications at the network edge.

"WSS ROADM applications comprise one of the fastest growing segments of the optical market," said Daryl Inniss, Vice President and Practice Leader of Communication Components at Ovum. "The availability of Finisar's 1x2 WSS extends the powerful capabilities of its existing ROADM technology in a way that enables a whole new range of products for high volume, metro-access applications."

The design of the EWP provides industry-leading optical performance which supports both 40 and 100 Gbps transport. The optical unit is fully hermetic to ensure high reliability and stable, long-term operation. Advanced packaging techniques, including a High-Temperature Co-fired Ceramic (HTCC) substrate, ensure a low-profile package height of 20mm, allowing a ROADM design to be integrated onto a single-height card. Based on Finisar's unique LCoS technology, the EWP supports both 50 and 100 GHz channel spacing in a single WSS with up to 100 channels at 50 GHz spacing and 50 channels at 100 GHz spacing. Both C- and L-band versions are available. Full per-channel attenuation control is supported over a range of 0-20dB, along with other advanced features including Drop-and-Continue capability.

"With the addition of Finisar's EWP, we have further extended our product line to provide the broadest range of WSS options on the market today," said Andrew Kennedy, WSS Product Line Manager at Finisar. "The combination of advanced optics, software and packaging with a versatile LCoS optical engine provides a wavelength switching solution of unmatched performance and functionality to address advanced 40 and 100 Gbps applications."

The new EWP 1x2 Wavelength Selective Switch for Edge Applications will be available in sample quantities in Q4 2009. Finisar will display the EWP in booth #640 at ECOC in Vienna, September 21-23.

About Finisar

Finisar Corporation (NASDAQ: FNSR) is a global technology leader for fiber optic subsystems and components that enable high-speed voice, video and data communications for networking, storage, wireless, and cable TV applications. For more than 20 years, Finisar has provided critical optics technologies to system manufacturers to meet the increasing demands for network bandwidth and storage. Finisar is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, USA with R&D, manufacturing sites, and sales offices worldwide. For additional information, visit www.finisar.com.

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The statements contained in this press release that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All forward-looking statements included in this press release are based upon information available to Finisar as of the date hereof, and Finisar assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Examples of such risks include those associated with: the uncertainty of customer demand for Finisar's products; the rapidly evolving markets for Finisar's products and uncertainty regarding the development of these markets; Finisar's historical dependence on sales to a limited number of customers and fluctuations in the mix of products and customers in any period; ongoing new product development and introduction of new and enhanced products; the challenges of rapid growth followed by periods of contraction; and intensive competition. Additional risks include the potential impact of pending civil litigation arising from the investigation of Finisar's historical option granting practices. Further information regarding these and other risks relating to Finisar's business is set forth in Finisar's annual report on Form 10-K (filed July 9, 2009).

Contact Information: MEDIA CONTACT: Victoria McDonald Finisar Corporation (408) 542-4261 victoria.mcdonald@finisar.com