Earthlink Telecommunications converges IP and optical layers via Cisco 400G DCO modules
Earthlink Telecommunications, which bills itself as the largest ISP in Iraq, has deployed Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) 400G Digital Coherent Optics (DCO) modules in its national long-haul network. The deployment, which also includes software elements, enables IP and optical layer convergence, additional programmability and automation, as well as a capacity upgrade, according to Cisco.
The network upgrade leverages Earthlink’s fielded Flex Spectrum CDC-based DWDM network elements and includes the Cisco NCS 2006 with 1.2-Tbps muxponders using the 400G optics. The 400G DCO optical transceivers also will be used in the ISP’s Cisco ASR9000 routers in its aggregation networks connected to NCS 5508 core routers.
Beyond the physical layer, Earthlink will leverage Cisco Spectrum Switched Optical Networks (SSON) restoration capabilities to enable self-healing network operation. The ISP will be able to lower the bit-rate if needed in ultra-long-haul restoration scenarios, a first for the region, Cisco asserts. Meanwhile, Cisco’s System Virtualization and Orchestration (SVO) platform and Evolved Programmable Network Manager (EPNM) also is now part of Earthlink’s repertoire. The EPNM provides centralized control and network management.
Cisco’s Customer Experience team is handling the network migration and configuration duties, as well as the deployment of the new components.
“We have been facing increasing traffic volume, now doubling every two years. With Cisco we have been able to expand capacity at the core, aggregation, and access areas of our network.” said Sarmad Ahmed, CEO of Earthlink. “With this network upgrade we can now meet more capacity at both the IP and optical layers.”
“We are thrilled to be helping Earthlink take the first step toward a Routed Optical Network, expanding to 400G DCO optics and continuing IP and Optical convergence with automation and virtualization capabilities,” said Reem Asaad, vice president, Middle East, and Africa, at Cisco. “Moving forward, the 400G technology with Cisco routers and Cisco DCO optics will provide better investment protection, wavelength utilization, and scalability Earthlink’s long-haul national network.”
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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.
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