WorldCom Inc., and Siemens Information and Communication Networks (ICN) Inc., through its optical networking subsidiary, Optisphere Networks Inc., announced they have boosted transmission capacity of data, video and voice traffic on a single installed WorldCom network fiber to 3.2 Terabits per second. The month-long trial was a first for both companies. A record 7 Terabit/s of capacity, over a single fiber, was demonstrated in ICN´s Munich laboratories already last fall. Earlier this year, WorldCom placed 1.6 Terabits per second on a fiber pair.
Using existing WorldCom fiber network routes in the Dallas metropolitan area, this increased transmission capacity is equivalent of sending more than 3.2 million high-speed Internet connections or 41 million telephone calls at the same time on one fiber. The ability to send greater amounts of data at increased transmission rates maximizes the use of existing fiber. To achieve this capacity, the companies deployed 80 wavelengths of 40 Gigabits per wavelength for a total capacity of 3.2 Terabits per second.
The new capacity record was achieved using Siemens/Optisphere's TransXpress Infinity DWDM platform and FOX 40 Gbit/s multiplexer. Eighty WDM channels with an individual capacity of 40 Gbit/s were transmitted over three spans of standard single mode fiber with a total link length of 250 km. TransXpress Infinity is a flexible, modular DWDM platform allowing for terabit transmission (e.g. 80 x 40 Gbit/s or up to 160 x 10 Gbit/s) with the same amplifier platform using technologies such as Raman amplification, enhanced link control and optical add-drop multiplexing. The TransXpress FOX multiplexer is an integral part of Siemens' optical node concept, including technologies such as adjustable dispersion compensation, polarization mode dispersion compensation and forward error correction.
WorldCom and Siemens have been working together in developing innovative optical networking solutions for several years. In 1998, WorldCom was the first service provider to install Siemens' 16-channel, 10 Gbit/s DWDM system.
About WorldCom:
WorldCom (NASDAQ: WCOM) is a global communications company for the digital generation. For more information, visit www.worldcom.com.
About Optisphere:
Optisphere Networks Inc. develops and markets innovative systems for the global optical networks market. Optisphere provides optical terabit solutions for IP-optimized transport; and routing and channel aggregation functions. For more information, visit www.optisphere.com.
About Siemens Information and Communication Networks:
Siemens Information and Communication Networks Group (ICN) is a provider of integrated voice and data networks for enterprises, carriers and service providers. Its portfolio comprises IP-based convergence solutions, products for broadband access, optical transport networks, and integration, services and applications. For more information, visit www.ic.siemens.com/networks.