BASKING RIDGE, N.J., June 23. Continuing to lead the industry in 100G technology, Verizon has completed a field trial carrying 100 gigabit-per-second Ethernet traffic on a metropolitan Ethernet infrastructure. Using Alcatel-Lucent equipment deployed in Verizon's Switched Ethernet Services network, the trial successfully transmitted data over 12.7 kilometers (7.9 miles) of field fiber in the company's Dallas area network.
Verizon SES is a next-generation switched Ethernet service enabling customers to easily interconnect their locations within a metrowide network as well as access private and public wide area networks (WANs) using optical fiber-based access. Ethernet service is well-suited for numerous customer applications, based on its ability to provide point-to-point and multipoint connectivity options combined with multiple classes of service and increments of bandwidths.
Demand for SES is increasing, driven by trends such as wireless carriers using Ethernet backhaul to stay ahead of the growing demand for high-bandwidth wireless services. Verizon currently provides links for thousands of cell sites and mobile switching offices from its advanced fiber-optic network, using Ethernet-based technology. "With this 100G Ethernet trial, Verizon is preparing for the future and the need to meet our customers' bandwidth needs in the metro Ethernet space," said Jean McManus, executive director of technology for Verizon. "The network of tomorrow will include building blocks such as 100G Ethernet that allow us to scale our switched Ethernet core as access speeds and customer demands increase."
The trial, which ran from June 14 - 18, used existing Alcatel-Lucent 7450 switching equipment with new plug-in cards to place native 100GE traffic on a single fiber, creating the high-speed links. "Our goal is to show 100GE can be carried on a metro network and do it with current equipment that avoids major changes -- and the associated costs -- to the existing network infrastructure," said McManus.
Alcatel-Lucent's 7450 ESS nodes used 100 GE service interfaces with 100GBASE-LR10 optics, which provide low-cost, high-bandwidth transport over distances of up to 10 kilometers (6.2 miles). Verizon is at the forefront of accelerating the availability and adoption of 100GE technology. "A seamless transition to 100GE leveraging existing Alcatel-Lucent IP Routing platforms enables Verizon to expand its innovative Ethernet service offerings in a timely and efficient manner," said Robert Vrij, president of the Americas region at Alcatel-Lucent. "Services are the driver of revenues and the rationale for investment in the network. Our platforms deliver speed without compromising services, leveraging our breakthrough 100G silicon innovation and long-standing relationships with leading service providers such as Verizon."
