Lucent signs three-year contract with Verizon to help evolve next-generation SONET network
27 October 2003 Murray Hill, NJ Lightwave--Lucent Technologies today announced that Verizon has chosen Lucent as one of several providers of advanced optical technology to help evolve Verizon's next-generation SONET network. Under the three-year agreement, Verizon will deploy the Metropolis DMX portfolio of metro optical networking products, and the LambdaUnite MultiService Switch, which will manage traffic from many metro access networks.
"As one of the primary providers of next-generation SONET technology, Lucent will provide Verizon with a full range of SONET and Ethernet services," said Janet Davidson, president, Integrated Network Solutions Group for Lucent Technologies.
Metropolis DMX is an integrated SONET/Ethernet metro access multiplexer that, working together with LambdaUnite MSS, will enable Verizon to cost-effectively meet its metro-area access needs while providing a foundation to accommodate bandwidth and service growth. It enables service providers like Verizon to use their existing optical equipment while cost-effectively migrating from existing TDM networks to data-aware packet networks. The LambdaUnite MSS provides high-capacity switching, multi-functionality, high density and flexibility into one small piece of equipment. Its standards-compliant technology will enable Verizon to seamlessly integrate existing backbone and metro optical networks. It provides a bridge between data-intense metro networks and high-speed optical core networks, connecting cities, campuses and corporate networks to larger, long-haul public networks.
The Metropolis DMX family includes the DMX Access Multiplexer for central office and large enterprise applications, the DMXpress for customer premises applications, DMXtend, for enterprise and loop access applications, and DMXplore to deliver next-generation SONET services economically right to the customer's premises. All provide compatible next-generation SONET functionality and when used together, the products in the portfolio create an end-to-end solution that allows carriers to offer faster, more sophisticated services while lowering operating costs.
LambdaUnite MultiService Switch has already been successfully installed by a number of service providers across the globe. The product enables service providers like Verizon to seamlessly upgrade their networks to 40 Gbits/sec and allows them to deliver new value-added services such as gigabit Ethernet. The compact size and low energy requirements of LambdaUnite means operators can make significant cost savings compared to traditional systems. This flexible single-shelf system was recently optimized for smaller metro applications, supporting in-service upgrades from 160 Gbits/sec to 320 Gbits/sec, as well as to 640 Gbits/sec, allowing the system to grow when network capacity increases. Mesh restoration capabilities were also added to help carriers migrate to new mesh-based networks, while at the same time, leveraging traditional protection architectures.