400G comms arrives, Terabit waits round the corner

Not exactly a cloud service, this one. But it is certainly a service capability which will improve and enrich the service delivery capabilities of every cloud offering around, and in the future.

This is about how Fujitsu Network Communications, a division of the company that also provides a full range of datacentre hardware and resources as well a wide range of cloud services, and Bright House Networks, which is the USA’s sixth largest operator of cable services, have successfully trialed the delivery of  400G and 800G data transmission speeds over a real, live, cable network environment.

What is more, both parties see this as setting down a marker for a future offering Terabit communications bandwidths.

This was Fujitsu’s first 400G trial with a cable operator, and was conducted in a live network using Fujitsu’s 400G optical networking transceivers over the Fujitsu Flashwave 9500 Packet Optical Network Platforms.

“Our work with Fujitsu allows us to further advance our current transport infrastructure, from 10G to 100G and now 400G and beyond”

“Our work with Fujitsu allows us to further advance our current transport infrastructure, from 10G to 100G and now 400G and beyond,” said Craig Cowden, Senior Vice President, Network Engineering, Operations and Enterprise Solutions, Bright House Networks. “Our technology is part of people’s lives, so we continually invest in our network to deliver new and innovative solutions. This initiative provides us with the ability to upgrade the amount of bandwidth available on our existing DWDM infrastructure to support the ever-increasing High Speed Data requirements of our customers and new initiatives, such as fibre to the home, for years to come.”

Using FLASHWAVE 9500 Packet ONP and 400G Super Channel Solutions, Fujitsu successfully demonstrated delivery of 400G technology over hardware that is currently shipping. Upon completing the 400G trial, an error-free rate of 800G was also attempted and achieved – maximising the potential of future networking capabilities based largely on existing network infrastructures. This should reduce the requirement for future customers’ investment in their networks.

 “As bandwidth growth continues to accelerate, the need for innovative network technologies is paramount,” said Paul Fagan, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Fujitsu Network Communications. “The transmission of 400G and 800G Super Channel over Bright House Network’s existing network provides validation and a path to helping them deliver world class service and experience to their customers.”