Infinera's Data Deluge Bet

Infinera's photonic chips convert optical signals to digital and back to optical. And since it operates with multi-colored light known as wave division multiplex, or WDM, the systems can handle eye-popping speeds of up to 100 gigabits a second, or 10 times the going rate, at a fraction of the scale and power consumption of conventional optical gear.

The company says its equipment is compliant with "major international standards," but typically new gear needs to pass certification with industry standard bodies before big phone giants like AT&T (T Quote) and Verizon (VZ Quote) will consider purchases.

To date, the company has sold gear to 25 telcos including Global Crossing (GLBC Quote), Level 3 and Qwest (Q Quote).