Internet2 runs 400 Gigabit Ethernet over 1300 miles
Internet2, working with CenturyLink, Ciena (NYSE: CIEN), and Juniper Networks (NYSE: JNPR), demonstrated the ability to transmit 400 Gigabit Ethernet traffic over a 1,367-mile circuit at last week’s SC19 super-computing conference in Denver. The link connected the conference’s SCinet network in Denver to the StarLight data center in Chicago.
The Chicago-to-Denver link used an open line system deployed by CenturyLink and Ciena as part of Internet2’s Next Generation Infrastructure program. The route is designed to support 400-Gbps and, eventually, 800-Gbps traffic (see “Internet2 to upgrade fiber backbone with Ciena’s 800-Gbps WaveLogic 5”). The transmission also leveraged a pair of Juniper Networks PTX10003 core routers (see "Juniper Networks embraces 400 Gigabit Ethernet").
“Along with our partners, we are thrilled to continue to support the R&E community with their advanced technology infrastructure needs,” said Howard Pfeffer, president and CEO of Internet2. "The 400 Gigabit Ethernet link on the new Internet2 open line system is utilizing state-of-the-art solutions from Ciena that will ultimately extend network programmability and scalability to our regional partners. Together with services from CenturyLink and demonstration switches from Juniper, this SC Conference deployment is a model example of the kind of capacity we expect the U.S. R&E community to benefit from with the Next Generation Infrastructure program.”
Internet2 operates the largest research and education (R&E) network in the U.S., with connections internationally. The fiber-optic network serves 320 U.S. universities, 60 government agencies, 43 regional and state education networks, through which it also supports more than 100,000 community anchor institutions, nearly 1,000 InCommon participants, and 58 corporations. The network also connects with 70 national research and education network partners that represent more than 100 countries.
For related articles, visit the Network Design Topic Center.
For more information on high-speed transmission systems and suppliers, visit the Lightwave Buyer’s Guide.
To stay abreast of fiber network deployments, subscribe to Lightwave’s Service Providers and Datacom/Data Center newsletters.
Stephen Hardy | Editorial Director and Associate Publisher, Lightwave
Stephen Hardy is editorial director and associate publisher of Lightwave and Broadband Technology Report, part of the Lighting & Technology Group at Endeavor Business Media. Stephen is responsible for establishing and executing editorial strategy across the both brands’ websites, email newsletters, events, and other information products. He has covered the fiber-optics space for more than 20 years, and communications and technology for more than 35 years. During his tenure, Lightwave has received awards from Folio: and the American Society of Business Press Editors (ASBPE) for editorial excellence. Prior to joining Lightwave in 1997, Stephen worked for Telecommunications magazine and the Journal of Electronic Defense.
Stephen has moderated panels at numerous events, including the Optica Executive Forum, ECOC, and SCTE Cable-Tec Expo. He also is program director for the Lightwave Innovation Reviews and the Diamond Technology Reviews.
He has written numerous articles in all aspects of optical communications and fiber-optic networks, including fiber to the home (FTTH), PON, optical components, DWDM, fiber cables, packet optical transport, optical transceivers, lasers, fiber optic testing, and more.
You can connect with Stephen on LinkedIn as well as Twitter.