BICS, Nokia Siemens Networks trial 40-Gbps on legacy fiber network

SEPTEMBER 26, 2010 -- European carriers’ carrier BICS has successfully conducted trials of 40-Gbps optical transmission technology over its existing fiber network between Zurich and Frankfurt. The trials used Nokia Siemens Networks’ new 40G CP-QPSK transponders (see "Nokia Siemens Networks delivers platform for rapid, cost-effective optical migration to 40G").

Nokia Siemens Networks has deployed its SURPASS hiT 7300 and hiT 7500 DWDM systems to BICS’ pan-European international network called PEN4Future, which stretches from London to Milan, and from Amsterdam to Marseille.

Based on CP-QPSK modulation format, the company’s new coherent detection 40G transponder uses the operator’s installed DWDM network infrastructure to transition to 40G technology (40G and 4x10G) without the costly and time-consuming fiber measurement currently required for other systems, Nokia Siemens Networks says.

“We have always been able to expand capacity and reach of our existing network, thanks to our strong partnership with Nokia Siemens Networks. While we have been steadily evolving our networks to newer 40G technology, there were certain parts of our network, based on legacy fiber, that were proving extremely difficult to transition,” said Patrick George, senior vice president, Product Management & Marketing, BICS. “The current successful tests have proven that Nokia Siemens Networks’ solution can enable us to move to 40G using our legacy network as well as prepare for making a transition to 100G. Deploying 40G transponder based on CP-QPSK modulation format is yet another example of how Nokia Siemens Networks and BICS are building together one of Europe’s most advanced networks. This new technology reduces equipment costs for us, ultimately passing on the benefits to our customers.”

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