Qwest takes the 100 Gbps challenge

Following the lead of Telstra and Verizon with their respective 100 Gbps trials, Qwest Communications is upgrading its network to deliver 100 Gbps services to customer edge sites. Qwest has begun construction on the network, which will continue through 2010. The service provider will deliver 100 Gbps across its national network to customers that reside in markets where it delivers its Ethernet-based iQ Networking and QWave data networking services.

Qwest Communications will deploy Alcatel-Lucent's 100 Gbps service interface for its recently-debuted 7750 edge Service Router series and its Ultra Long-Haul optical platform to transport the 100 Gbps services over its network. However, Qwest would not reveal the financial terms of the deal.  

This latest Tier 1 network win with Qwest provides Alcatel-Lucent validation for its 100 Gbps solution. Not long after Juniper added 100 Gbps capabilities for its core routing platform, Alcatel-Lucent announced the availability of the 100 Gbps interface for its edge router series with Telus being an initial customer. Meanwhile, NYSE/Euronext is building out two data centers with Ciena's 100 Gbps technology.  

Michael Howard, principal analyst, carrier and data center networks, Infonetics Research, said Qwest's new deployment could be a reference point for other service providers considering a move to 100 Gbps technology. "We're encouraged to see Qwest integrate Alcatel-Lucent's 100 Gigabit Ethernet with services enablement for the edge and the metro, which also serves as high-speed transport in the core," he said. "The fact that these products use the Alcatel-Lucent FP2 silicon helps reduce risk as service providers move to 100 Gigabit interfaces within their networks."

For more:
- see the release here

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