WorldCom Sets Record With Optisphere Equipment

Trial doubles optical Internet transmission capacity, placing 3.2 terabits of traffic per second on existing network fiber.

by Roy Mark of www.internetnews.com [March 14, 2001]

WorldCom, in partnership with Siemens Information and Communication Networks Inc. (through Siemens' optical networking subsidiary Optisphere Networks Inc.) set a new world record for the transmission capacity of data, video, and voice traffic on a single installed network fiber to 3.2 terabits per second. The month-long technology trial was an industry first for both companies.

The test used existing WorldCom fiber network routes in the Dallas metropolitan area. The companies deployed 80 wavelengths of 40 gigabits per wavelength for a total capacity of 3.2 terabits per second.

The new capacity record was achieved using Siemens/Optisphere's TransXpress Infinity DWDM [definition] platform and FOX 40 Gbit/s multiplexer. Eighty WDM channels with an individual capacity of 40 Gbit/s were transmitted over three spans of standard single mode fiber with a total link length of 250 km.

TransXpress Infinity is a flexible, modular DWDM platform allowing for terabit transmission with the same amplifier platform using technologies such as Raman amplification, enhanced link control, and optical add-drop multiplexing. The TransXpress FOX multiplexer is an integral part of Siemens' optical node concept, including technologies such as adjustable dispersion compensation, polarization mode dispersion compensation, and forward error correction.

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WorldCom and Siemens have been working together in developing optical networking solutions for several years. In 1998, WorldCom was the first service provider to install Siemens' 16-channel, 10 Gbit/s DWDM system.

"This new technology by Siemens/Optisphere is a giant step forward in delivering increased bandwidth to customers," said Fred Briggs, WorldCom's chief technology officer. "It will allow us to scale our network, while continuing to drive down the cost of bandwidth, by leveraging the capability of our embedded fiber plant."

The new world record represents a further milestone in the joint effort between WorldCom and Siemens. A record seven terabits per second of capacity, over a single fiber, was demonstrated in their Munich laboratories last fall.

"Building on five years development of 40 Gbit/s technology, this demonstrates the most bandwidth and cost-effective dense wavelength division multiplexing technology to date. As bandwidth demand increases, it allows our customers to squeeze the most out of every fiber available," said Optisphere Chief Executive Officer Jost Spielvogel.

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