Corning Inc. (Corning, NY) announced the selection of its leaf brand large- effective-area optical

Corning Inc. (Corning, NY) announced the selection of its leaf brand large- effective-area optical fiber by Level 3 Communications Inc. (Omaha, NE) for use in the latter`s planned nationwide network. Level 3`s network will operate entirely on Internet protocol (IP) technology, relying on Internet package switching technology instead of the circuit-switching techniques predominantly used by major telephone companies. Level 3`s network is expected to span 18,000 route-mi, providing local and long-distance service. Approximately 2 million km of Corning`s leaf optical fiber will be used, with complete installation of the system expected by 2001. Corning introduced leaf three months ago at the Optical Fiber Conference in San Jose, CA. According to Corning, the new fiber has a larger core area than conventional long-distance fibers and was developed for use with more-powerful amplifiers to boost data and voice transmission levels without creating distortion.