ADVA Optical Networking tests metro 400 Gbps with City of Cape Town

ADVA Optical Networking and the City of Cape Town say they have transmitted multiple high-speed data rates, including 400 Gbps, over Cape Town's metro fiber-optic network. The trial used in-place ADVA FSP 3000 infrastructure, augmented with the optical transport systems vendor's latest CloudConnect 400-Gbps technology.

The trial used a metro transport network link between the townships of Nyanga and Mitchells Plain, part of an overall metro network built with ADVA FSP 3000 platforms that extends more than 100 km (see "Cape Town chooses ADVA Optical Networking for city network"). The partners demonstrated 200-, 300-, and 400-Gbps coherent transmission using a variety of modulation formats. This includes what ADVA believes is among the first field demonstrations of DP-8QAM to achieve interim capacity of 300 Gbps.

The transmissions used a two-wavelength superchannel. Test technicians switched between 200, 300, and 400 Gbps to show how capacity can be automatically adjusted according to the network's shifting traffic and transmission quality requirements.

"What we've showcased here with ADVA Optical Networking is a genuine technology landmark. Now that we know we have the power to create a 400-Gbps backbone, the possibilities are immense," said Leon van Wyk, telecommunications manager, City of Cape Town. "Ultra-fast connectivity will give government departments access to innovative new solutions. It will also make a huge difference for businesses and residents in this area. Successfully connecting the townships of Nyanga and Mitchells Plain with a 400-Gbps transmission shows that we can bring high-speed broadband to areas that need it most. We know the power the Internet has to expand horizons, raise aspirations and enrich lives. Connecting people and local businesses with each other and with the world will regenerate entire communities."

ADVA's Elite partner XON Systems facilitated the trial. The systems house has performed at least one other 400G field demonstration (see "ADVA trials 400G data center interconnect over PIONIER R&E network").

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