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Qwest takes the 100 Gbps challenge
FierceTelecom Newsletter
September 3, 2009
Following the lead of Telstra and Verizon with their
respective 100 Gbps trials, Qwest Communications is upgrading
its network to deliver 100 Gbps services to customer edge sites.
Qwest has begun construction on the network, which will continue
through 2010. The service provider will deliver 100 Gbps across
its national network to customers that reside in markets where
it delivers its Ethernet-based iQ Networking and QWave data
networking services.
Qwest Communications will deploy Alcatel-Lucent's 100 Gbps
service interface for its recently-debuted 7750 edge Service
Router series and its Ultra Long-Haul optical platform to
transport the 100 Gbps services over its network. However, Qwest
would not reveal the financial terms of the deal.
This latest Tier 1 network win with Qwest provides
Alcatel-Lucent validation for its 100 Gbps solution. Not long
after Juniper added 100 Gbps capabilities for its core routing
platform, Alcatel-Lucent announced the availability of the 100
Gbps interface for its edge router series with Telus being an
initial customer. Meanwhile, NYSE/Euronext is building out two
data centers with Ciena's 100 Gbps technology.
Michael Howard, principal analyst, carrier and data center
networks, Infonetics Research, said Qwest's new deployment
could be a reference point for other service providers
considering a move to 100 Gbps technology. "We're encouraged to
see Qwest integrate Alcatel-Lucent's 100 Gigabit Ethernet with
services enablement for the edge and the metro, which also
serves as high-speed transport in the core," he said. "The fact
that these products use the Alcatel-Lucent FP2 silicon helps
reduce risk as service providers move to 100 Gigabit interfaces
within their networks."
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