Windstream adds L-Band option to fiber network via Infinera C+L Solution

Infinera (NASDAQ:INFN) says it has supplied its C+L Solution to Windstream. The technology enables Windstream to transmit optical wavelengths in the L-Band as well as the more conventional C-Band. Use of both bands effectively doubles the potential capacity of Windstream’s fiber.

"Windstream can clearly see a need for L-Band to double the fiber capacity in high-growth parts of our network so we can continue to deliver services quickly and efficiently to meet our customers’ bandwidth demands," said Buddy Bayer, Windstream’s chief network officer. "Infinera’s C+L solution allows us to set a future-proof foundation now and be confident that we can expand capacity smoothly and seamlessly into the L-band when we are ready."

Use of both the C and L bands requires not only the right transmit and receive capabilities on either end of the link, but amplifiers and other line systems compatible with transmission in the two bands as well. The Infinera C+L Solution incorporates C-band and L-band variants of Infinera’s transponders enabled via the company’s Infinite Capacity Engine (ICE) coherent DSP as well as FlexILS line system elements. The technology set also includes end-to-end controls to enable combined C+L operation on a single fiber pair. Infinera says that Windstream will be able to fully fill its C-Band capacity before it adds L-Band operation and can complete this addition without affecting existing traffic.

The company says that what it calls “foundational elements” of the Infinera C+L Solution are generally available today. The full C+L enhancements should become available by the middle of next year, according to Infinera.

Windstream Wholesale, meanwhile, announced that it plans to extend its core network to connect to NJFX’s international landing station in Wall Township, NJ. The move will have the ripple effect of adding capacity to Ashburn, VA, Newark/New York City, and other major data center markets. The NJFX “Tier 3 by the Sea” facility serves as the landing point for several submarine cable systems, as well as supplied connectivity to a variety of terrestrial networks (see "NJFX touts route diversity across major interconnection points").

“This buildout with its connections to Wall Township, NJ, will provide enterprises, international carriers, and content providers fast access from our coast-to-coast network to major subsea cable systems. Our network expansion strategy also includes easy access to other international networks through our links in Texas and South Florida and to Asia Pacific cable systems on the West Coast,” said Joe Scattareggia, executive vice president of Wholesale at Windstream Enterprise and Wholesale.

Windstream says it will use Infinera’s DTN-X to create express routes to these locations.

For related articles, visit the Network Design Topic Center.

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