Telefónica Global Solutions adds 100G to SAm-1 submarine and terrestrial fiber-optic networks

Telefónica Global Solutions, Telefónica’s (NYSE:TEF) multinational, wholesale, and roaming business, has upgraded the SAm-1 submarine and terrestrial network that links the U.S. to Latin America with 100-Gbps coherent transmission capabilities from Ciena Corp. (NASDAQ:CIEN).

The 25,000-km SAm-1 undersea cable and terrestrial fiber-optic network features landing stations in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, Peru, and the U.S., including Florida and Puerto Rico. According to Telefónica and Ciena, the network sees peak traffic loads of more than 2 Tbps daily and transports more than 20 billion international voice minutes a year. Its activated IP capacity exceeds 6 Tbps.

The upgrade saw Telefónica Global Solutions deploy Ciena’s 5400 Reconfigurable Switching System and 6500 Packet-Optical Platform, including advanced ROADM features and GeoMesh optical bypass. The 5400 packet-optical transport systems support 100G service provision across multiple network links, including a 6700-km submarine network link that connects Boca Raton to Fortaleza in Brazil and a 2100-km unregenerated terrestrial link that connects Buenos Aires to Valparaiso in Chile. The 5400 has been installed in eight of the Telefónica Global Solutions´ Central and South America landing stations, as well as in the U.S. landing stations.

“Ciena’s GeoMesh solution incorporates 100G coherent optical, intelligent OTN switching, and unique optical bypass technologies, which give our SAm-1 network better scale and bandwidth flexibility to meet current and future customer requirements,” said Alejandro Martinez-Rosillo, chief technology officer and infrastructure director at Telefónica Global Solutions. “Further, we are now in a better position to offer international bandwidth services at competitive prices, enhanced quality and to meet projected capacity needs in the region.”

Telefónica also will leverage Ciena’s OneControl Unified Management System, while Ciena will provide consulting services, network engineering, project management, NOC contingency service, and First Line Maintenance services via its Specialist Services portfolio.

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