Nokia Siemens Networks, FUNET complete long-distance 100G field trial

Nokia Siemens Networks has successfully concluded a field trial with the Finnish University and Research Network (FUNET) showing that it is possible to deploy 10G and 100G optical transmission connections over a distance of 1000 km. The test validates Funet’s ability to provide an efficient fiber-optic network built for the future, the companies say.

FUNET provides network connectivity to Finnish research and higher education organizations. The trial confirmed that FUNET can use its installed base of optical fiber to deliver 10G and 100G services simultaneously to meet its clients’ demands for bandwidth, as required for working with big data sets for scientific projects.

The 100G trial was done as a plug-and-play integration of Nokia Siemens Networks’ 100 Gigabit Ethernet (100GbE) transponder with its DWDM platform, the hiT 7300. This allowed the use of 10G and 100G in parallel across a distance of 1000 km. Nokia Siemens Networks’ network management tools automated the process. In addition, the optical channel protection mechanism integrated in the DWDM platform ensured that the traffic was automatically routed to a secondary connection when the primary connection was interrupted.

A second test using the hiT 7300 platform with third-party 100G transponders successfully demonstrated that standardized optical network equipment from Nokia Siemens Networks can be combined with equipment from other vendors, thereby protecting the carrier’s existing investments.

Juha Oinonen, development manager of FUNET, said, “As demand for high-capacity data transmission is constantly growing, 100G transmission has already become a key requirement for research and education networks. We have worked with Nokia Siemens Networks since 2008 and yet again the company’s technology has proven to be flexible, cost efficient, future proof and easy to operate.”

This would appear to be the second set of 100G tests Funet and NSN have conducted. They previously reported on a 100G field trial that took place last November (see "Finland's Funet trials 100-Gbps technology").

Nokia Siemens Networks intends to sell its optical networks business unit to private equity investor Marlin Equity Partners, in a deal that is expected to close within the next few months. The deal will result in the unit being established as an independent company, named Coriant, with the goal of becoming a leading provider in the optical market (see “Ex-NSN optical division anticipates new start as Coriant”).

For more information on high-speed transmission systems and suppliers, visit the Lightwave Buyer’s Guide.