Ciena Builds European 100G Coherent Network

Ciena Corporation, the network specialist, announced it was selected by Cable&Wireless Worldwide (CWW) to build a European 100G coherent network using Ciena’s 6500 Packet-Optical Platform with WaveLogic coherent optical processors. The next-generation network is an addition to CWW’s extensive footprint in Europe, which includes a 40G intercontinental network based on Ciena technologies.

The longest 100G link in Europe deployed to date spans more than 2,800 km and connects London to Monaco with drop-off points in Milan, Frankfurt, Dusseldorf and Amsterdam, providing CWW with a flexible, high-capacity and future-proof infrastructure that can be adapted as requirements change over time.

The 100G coherent network will support future growth in demand for capacity over Cable&Wireless Worldwide’s European network. A key driver for increased capacity requirements will be the Europe India Gateway (EIG), a submarine link between Western Europe and Mumbai, India, which is expected to carry backbone traffic to London, United Kingdom.

Ciena’s technology enabled CWW to simply add the 100G wavelength alongside existing in-service 40G channels.

The European 100G link is CWW’s first deployment of the advanced, high-performance optical transport technology and builds on a long-standing partnership with Ciena. CWW has been a customer for more than 15 years and deployed solutions spanning Ciena’s portfolio, including a global mesh network based on Ciena’s industry-leading optical control plane.

“The explosive demand for capacity promises to continue as the number of public and private network connections increases for consumers and businesses and as these connections support bandwidth-intensive applications such as video and remote storage. Addressing this challenge requires a future-proof network that combines intelligence and high capacity – and that is where Ciena’s intelligent infrastructure comes in. A long-term Ciena partner, Cable&Wireless Worldwide is making a highly progressive move in Europe with the region’s longest coherent 100G link, which forms the basis for a resilient, scalable and flexible backbone network,” John Paul Hemingway, EMEA vice president of strategic development at Ciena stated.

Ciena’s WaveLogic coherent optical processors enable operators to maximize the reach, capacity and flexibility of networks by enabling seamless upgrades to 40G/100G. Using innovative coherent receiver, high speed analog to digital, and custom digital signal processing technology that integrate intelligence into the equipment, Ciena’s technology offers ease-of-deployment, cost efficiency and network investment protection.

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Subsea World News Staff, May 9, 2012; Image: Ciena