Following the lead of Telstra and Verizon who have both begun 100Gbps trials, Qwest Communications is upgrading its network to deliver 100Gbps to customer edge sites.
Qwest has begun construction of the network, which will continue through 2010. The service provider will deliver 100Gbps 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 100Gbps service interface for its recently-debuted 7750 edge service router series and its ultra long-haul optical platform to transport the 100Gbps services over its network. Qwest would not reveal the financial terms of the deal.
This Qwest deal provides validation for Alcatel-Lucent’s 100Gbps solution. Not long after Juniper added 100Gbps capabilities for its core routing platform, Alcatel-Lucent announced the availability of the 100Gbps interface for its edge router series, with Telus an initial customer.
Meanwhile, NYSE/Euronext is building out two data centers with Ciena's 100Gbps 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 100Gbps 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.”
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