Vodafone New Zealand adds 100G via Ciena

Vodafone New Zealand has added 100-Gbps coherent transmission capabilities to its fiber-optic network linking Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. Ciena Corp. (NASDAQ: CIEN) has supplied the necessary line cards, which include its WaveLogic 3 technology, for installation into Vodafone’s existing Ciena 6500 Packet-Optical Platforms.

The two parties believe the network’s 1500 km, which includes submarine as well as terrestrial fiber cable, is one of the longest 100-Gbps networks globally and a first in New Zealand.

“Data is the fastest growing segment of our business,” according to Vodafone’s Head of Networks Tony Baird. “This 100-Gbps network expansion is part of our continued investment in the Vodafone SuperNet to support high speed data for our customers, and deliver a consistently excellent data experience.”

The upgrade required no reengineering of the existing network or interruption of live traffic, the two companies say. The 100-Gbps wavelengths will run alongside 10-Gbps and 40-Gbps signals.

“Ciena’s technology allows us to deliver the performance and reliability our customers need, while allowing us to scale up the systems we need to prepare for future demand,” added Baird. “Not only are we transporting an unprecedented volume of traffic over long distances, our network is also evolving to deliver an expanded set of fast, reliable and high-capacity services – from data center and the cloud, to mobile backhaul and machine-to-machine connectivity.”

“Service providers across the globe are looking to improve their network efficiency and reliability while also expanding capacity to meet surging demand from a new breed of smartphone and tablet users,” commented Anthony McLachlan, vice president and general manager, Asia Pacific, Ciena. “Vodafone is an excellent example of a company with the forward vision to deploy network technologies that suit their present-day requirements, and also lay the groundwork to support future expansion and network services at speeds that reach 100 Gbps and beyond.”

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