Zayo pairs with Internet2 to offer 100-Gbps optical network services

Zayo Group says it has partnered with Internet2 to add significant capacity on Zayo's fiber-optic network route from Chicago to Seattle. The link will now have more than 4 Tbps of capacity to support Internet2's new 100G network.

Internet2 operates a high-capacity fiber-optic backbone network that connects universities and other research institutions. It consists of 220 U.S. universities, 60 leading corporations, 70 government agencies, 38 regional and state education networks and more than 100 national research and education networking partners representing more than 50 countries (see "Internet2 and Level 3 deploy 100-Gbit/sec nationwide research network" and "Internet2, ESnet take 100-Gbps coast to coast").

This network upgrade will expand 100-Gbps service support to universities and research centers in Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Washington, and Wisconsin. The project will see new 100G national backbone links between Internet2's core routers in Seattle and Chicago, reduced latency for time-sensitive applications, and increased capacity for collaboration with partners throughout the U.S. West and Asia that connect through Seattle.

Most of the funding for the fiber network upgrade will come through Zayo’s status as a subrecipient of Internet2's grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce's Broadband Technology Opportunities Program. The upgrade is expected to be completed during spring 2013.

"Expanding the world's most advanced 100G software-defined network to the Northern Tier brings unique research, education and community resources and capabilities hundreds of miles closer to scientists, educators, students, and community anchor institutions," says Robert Vietzke, vice president of network services at Internet2. "We are delighted to partner with Zayo and our member institutions throughout the Northern Tier on this enormous new set of capabilities."

"This project demonstrates Zayo's commitment to building strong strategic alliances with the research and education community and our investment into our extensive fiber footprint," says Zach Nebergall, vice president of Wavelength Product Group at Zayo. "Internet2 is helping to bring substantial amounts of additional capacity to the research and education community via its partnerships."

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