TELUS takes the packet optical networking plunge

While still an emerging concept, TELUS is taking a chance on packet optical networking. The Canadian incumbent operator announced that it will deploy Fujitsu's FLASHWAVE Packet Optical Networking Platforms (Packet ONPs) as the engine behind its converged Packet/TDM optical network. TELUS says that the network will allow it to deliver next-gen IP, Ethernet and optical services with enough headroom to allow business and residential customers use of multimedia applications.  

For this deployment TELUS will leverage Fujitsu's FLASHWAVE 9500 and the FLASHWAVE4100 ES Packet ONPs. In addition, Fujitsu will supply network planning, management, and professional services support through the vendor's NETSMART Network Life Cycle Services.

However compelling the new deployment will be for TELUS and other service providers that are considering a similar adoption of Packet Optical Networking, FierceTelecom columnist Michael Kennedy believes that the service provider industry's adoption of packet optical network platforms will be gradual. "I expect a steady evolution toward Packet Optical Transport rather than a one or two year shift," explained Kennedy in his latest column [1]. "Key gating factors are the dual take-up rate for bandwidth intensive services/packet-based access networks and systems vendors' progress in improving the reliability and end-to-end management of Next Gen equipment."

For more:
- see the release here [2]

Related articles
Timing the migration to Packet Optical Transport [1]
Does Fujitsu have packet optical edge? [3]
Analyst: Fujitsu is Verizon RFP winner [4]