Abstract: The generation of standard reference frequencies close to the ITU channels is essential for the calibration and maintenance of DWDM systems. This work describes a method to synthesize frequency references in the range from 187.1 to 205.1THz (1462–1602nm). The method is based on the generation of four equispaced frequencies (by the process of four-wave mixing in a semiconductor amplifier) of which two are locked to absorption lines of the acetylene 12C2H2 (1511–1542nm). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]