Verizon targets 100-Gbps with Cisco CRS-3 deployment

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) says it will install Cisco’s (NASDAQ: CSCO) CRS-3 Carrier Routing System to upgrade its IP network in “selected” U.S. markets. The service provider says the 100-Gbps capabilities of the CRS-3 are needed to support growing video, mobile, and cloud services requirements, as well as demands on its FiOS network core. The systems also will smooth the transition to IPv6.

Markets that will receive the IP network upgrade include Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, New York and Seattle. The CRS-3 platforms will be deployed in the first half of 2012.

Verizon has used Cisco's CRS-1 platform in the network for more than four years. "We're constantly seeking to improve the Verizon IP network to support traffic growth, improve performance and increase functionality," said Ihab Tarazi, vice president of global IP and transport planning and technology for Verizon. "Upgrading the network using Cisco's CRS-3 platform provides better scale and expanded capabilities that support traffic growth areas such as broadband access and content delivery."

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