Reliance Globalcom adds 40-Gbps coherent to FNAL submarine cable network

Reliance Globalcom has added coherent-enabled 40-Gbps capabilities to its FNAL submarine fiber-optic network using technology from Ciena Corp. (NASDAQ: CIEN). The FNAL network, which connects Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, and Hong Kong over a ring route of approximately 5,000 km, is the first submarine fiber-optic network in Asia to apply 40-Gbps coherent technology, Ciena asserts.

The upgrade, which leveraged Ciena’s 6500 Packet-Optical Platform, brings the route’s capacity to 4 Tbps. The system uses a combination of DP-BPSK and DP-QPSK.

The 40 Gbps per channel also can be boosted to 100 Gbps in the future, Ciena says. The use of a ROADM platform is unique as well, the company states.

In addition to the 6500 Packet-Optical Platform, Ciena also supplied deployment services and network management software.

This is the third application of Ciena’s coherent technology in the infrastructure of the Reliance family. Reliance Globalcom is using 40-Gbps on a 6,400-km submarine link that connects the UK, Spain, Italy, and Egypt (see "Reliance Globalcom deploys Ciena 40G in ultra long-haul submarine network"). Parent company Reliance Communications also is using coherent 40-Gbps technology in its nationwide long-haul network in India.

“Ciena’s solution enables us to provide four times the bandwidth with a simple card upgrade, removing the need for costly and complex infrastructure changes,” said Rory Cole, COO Carrier Business at Reliance Globalcom. “We have a fantastic partnership with Ciena and have been impressed by their optical technology leadership, the success of our recent trial activities, and their longstanding relationship with our parent company. We chose Ciena because of their demonstrable track record in helping service providers to deliver innovative and highly reliable communications services.”

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