Vodafone trials 400G with Alcatel-Lucent

Vodafone Spain has tested 400-Gbps coherent transmission technology from Alcatel-Lucent (Euronext Paris and NYSE: ALU) over a 400-km link between Madrid and Zaragoza, the two companies have announced. The optical transmission used existing fiber-optic network infrastructure, including dispersion compensation modules.

The test leveraged Alcatel-Lucent's 1830 Photonic Service Switch. The successful use of 400-Gbps optical wavelengths demonstrated the existing network's ability to support up to 17.6 Tbps.

"With this trial we have demonstrated that it is possible to cost-effectively increase network capacity and enhance the quality of broadband without disrupting traffic or extensively reengineering infrastructure," confirmed Nikos Plevris, head of Transmission & Transport– Vodafone European Network Engineering.

Alcatel-Lucent introduced its 400-Gbps technology in March 2012 (see "Alcatel-Lucent makes 400-Gbps play"). It has conducted several trials, and has at least two deployments (see "Orange, Alcatel-Lucent provide live 400G link to RENATER" and "Alcatel-Lucent deploys 400G backbone for Ooredoo Algeria").

"This trial application of Alcatel-Lucent's innovation in optical transmission demonstrated our ability to provide Vodafone with the technology they need to meet their rapidly evolving requirements. Specifically, this trial has demonstrated the feasibility of state-of-the-art transmission over one of Vodafone's existing European backbone networks," added Willem Hendrickx, president, Europe, Middle East and Africa, at Alcatel-Lucent. "We look forward to taking this innovation to the next step with them."

For more information on high-speed transmission systems and suppliers, visit the Lightwave Buyer's Guide.