Vodafone trials 400G with Alcatel-Lucent

Jan. 29, 2015
Vodafone Spain has tested 400-Gbps coherent transmission technology from Alcatel-Lucent (Euronext Paris and NYSE: ALU) over a 400-km link between Madrid and Zaragoza, the two companies have announced. The optical transmission used existing fiber-optic network infrastructure, including dispersion compensation modules.

Vodafone Spain has tested 400-Gbps coherent transmission technology from Alcatel-Lucent (Euronext Paris and NYSE: ALU) over a 400-km link between Madrid and Zaragoza, the two companies have announced. The optical transmission used existing fiber-optic network infrastructure, including dispersion compensation modules.

The test leveraged Alcatel-Lucent's 1830 Photonic Service Switch. The successful use of 400-Gbps optical wavelengths demonstrated the existing network's ability to support up to 17.6 Tbps.

"With this trial we have demonstrated that it is possible to cost-effectively increase network capacity and enhance the quality of broadband without disrupting traffic or extensively reengineering infrastructure," confirmed Nikos Plevris, head of Transmission & Transport– Vodafone European Network Engineering.

Alcatel-Lucent introduced its 400-Gbps technology in March 2012 (see "Alcatel-Lucent makes 400-Gbps play"). It has conducted several trials, and has at least two deployments (see "Orange, Alcatel-Lucent provide live 400G link to RENATER" and "Alcatel-Lucent deploys 400G backbone for Ooredoo Algeria").

"This trial application of Alcatel-Lucent's innovation in optical transmission demonstrated our ability to provide Vodafone with the technology they need to meet their rapidly evolving requirements. Specifically, this trial has demonstrated the feasibility of state-of-the-art transmission over one of Vodafone's existing European backbone networks," added Willem Hendrickx, president, Europe, Middle East and Africa, at Alcatel-Lucent. "We look forward to taking this innovation to the next step with them."

For more information on high-speed transmission systems and suppliers, visit the Lightwave Buyer's Guide.

About the Author

Stephen Hardy | Editorial Director and Associate Publisher

Stephen Hardy has covered fiber optics for more than 15 years, and communications and technology for more than 30 years. He is responsible for establishing and executing Lightwave's editorial strategy across its digital magazine, website, newsletters, research and other information products. He has won multiple awards for his writing.

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