Nortel Networks has deployed what it claims is the world's longest high-capacity terrestrial optical backbone in commercial service--now in operation in the North American network of Global Crossing.
Spanning approximately 1,500 km, the optical backbone currently supports 200 Gbits/sec of data without opto-electronic regeneration and has the capability to support up to 560 Gbits/sec. It is based on Nortel Networks OPTera Long Haul 4000 Optical Line System.
Nortel Networks OPTera Long Haul 4000 is designed to increase network reach, while maintaining signal speed at the optimum 10 Gbits/sec for lowest 'cost-per-connected-bit.' OPTera Long Haul 4000 uses rapid wavelength provisioning to speed response to customer bandwidth demand, say company representatives. Using DWDM technology, OPTera Long Haul 4000 enables optical links equipped with add/drop multiplexing over distances up to 4,000 kilometers without the additional cost of electronic regenerators.
For more information about Nortel Networks (Ottawa, Ontario), visit the company's Web site at www.nortelnetworks.com.