MOREnet deploys coherent 100 Gbps via Fujitsu FLASHWAVE 9500

The Missouri Research and Education Network (MOREnet), which has been serving the network capacity needs of research and education institutions in the state for more than 20 years, has upgraded its fiber-optic network to support 100-Gbps wavelengths via FLASHWAVE 9500 Packet Optical Networking Platforms from Fujitsu Network Communications, the optical transport systems vendor announced. The increased capacity will enable MOREnet’s user community of scientists, researchers, educators, and physicians practicing in teaching hospitals to share very large data sets and images, participate in video conferencing, and download streaming audio and video, among other high-bandwidth applications.

The upgrade program began in early 2013. The use of the packet-optical transport system will enable MOREnet to transport any combination of Ethernet, SONET/SDH, and Optical Transport Network (OTN) traffic while taking advantage of the flexibility offered by reconfigurable optical add/drop multiplexer (ROADM) capabilities. MOREnet administrators will be able to perform network-wide provisioning, maintenance, and surveillance from a centralized location via Fujitsu’s NETSMART network management software.

“The 100G circuit we created from Columbia to Kansas City and another 100G circuit from Columbia to St. Louis will help Missouri stay at the forefront of research and education,” said Hank Niederhelm, director of infrastructure at MOREnet. “We’re very excited that both circuits will connect to Internet2’s National Innovation Platform, making MOREnet the only research and education network providing network transport services for Internet2. The partnership and industry-leading technology of Fujitsu Network Communications are key factors in helping us serve our members and positions us for greater opportunities in the future.”

The FLASHWAVE 9500 also will support future growth to data rates beyond 100 Gbps, Fujitsu says. The company recently announced 800-Tbps trials with Mid-Atlantic Crossroads (see “Fujitsu Network Communications test 800-Gbps superchannels with Mid-Atlantic Crossroads”) and cable MSO Bright House Networks.

Fujitsu is proud to be partnering with MOREnet for their next-generation 100G packet-optical backbone, enabled by the FLASHWAVE 9500 Packet Optical Networking Platform,” said Rod Naphan, CTO of Fujitsu Network Communications. “MOREnet’s investment into their infrastructure enhances an already robust level of service for libraries, K-12, higher education facilities, and state agencies which serves to benefit the quality of life for Missourians state-wide.”

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