MCI recently demonstrated that high-speed network transmissions can now travel twice as far as previously possible.
This is achieved by using special amplifier equipment that extends its ability to carry traffic over longer distances. MCI is moving to this next generation infrastructure, enabling its customers to more readily take advantage of converged networking.
The technology test, performed at MCI’s Advanced Network Technology Lab in the United States, sent test traffic over standard single mode fiber for a distance of more than 1,600 kilometers (km), with amplifiers placed 160 km apart as opposed to the conventional distance of 80 km.
“MCI continues to lay the foundation to deliver converged IP services to customers through its advanced network design,” said Fred Briggs, MCI president of Operations & Technology. “Our findings further validate that ultra long haul 40 Gbps is not only feasible, but capable of providing the solid, flexible, scalable network platform required for future applications.”
During 2004, MCI set the foundation for the company to execute on its IP convergence plan. The company introduced the industry’s first major deployment of an ultra long haul (ULH) DWDM optical network in February and followed with another first in the same month by deploying Medium Dispersion Fiber (MDF) on the MCI IP network. MDF enables MCI to set new standards for service delivery, performance, reliability and value to its customers.
In February, the company also announced a large global MPLS network expansion that would extend its direct access into its Private IP network throughout Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America and the Middle East.
In May, MCI achieved the world’s fastest Internet Protocol (IP) transmission ever when it delivered 40 Gbps over its optical network between San Francisco and San Jose. The technology trial carried 40 Gbps of traffic over a single full-duplex Optical Carrier (OC)-768 interface.
The intercity technology demo in California was followed in June by a 40 Gbps transmission trial on the MCI ULH network. The 40 Gbps transmission, which is four times faster than the highest-speed ULH routes deployed today, was completed between Salt Lake City, Utah, and Sacramento, Calif. The trial highlighted how the MCI network can seamlessly activate 40 Gbps ULH wavelengths to facilitate next generation IP-based services over its existing 10 Gbps backbone.
MCI then unveiled its converged packet access (CPA) strategy as the company’s next generation access network infrastructure. CPA architecture consolidates all services — frame relay, private IP, IP VPN, Ethernet, PL voice — on a single packet access connection to the customer. CPA will provide the speed, scalability and efficiencies that large enterprises and small businesses will need to quickly adapt to changing business requirements.
“As an IP leader, we continue to push the envelope and bring new technology into the network as soon as it is ready,” said Briggs. “Our customers are looking to MCI for the latest IP converged services and we are ideally positioned to deliver.”
Murdok | Breaking eBusiness News
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