WorldCom Places 3.2 Terabits of Traffic per Second on Existing Network Fiber.
Trial Doubles Optical Internet Transmission Capacity Using Multi-Terabit Platform from Siemens/Optisphere
DALLAS, Texas - March 13, 2001 - WorldCom, and Siemens, through its optical networking subsidiary Optisphere Networks Inc., today announced they have boosted the world record for transmission capacity of data, video and voice traffic on a single installed WorldCom network fiber to a stunning 3.2 Terabits per second. The month-long technology trial was an industry first for both companies.
Using existing WorldCom fiber network routes in the Dallas metropolitan area, this increased transmission capacity is equivalent of sending more than 3.2 million high-speed Internet connections or 41 million telephone calls at the same time on one fiber. The ability to send greater amounts of data at increased transmission rates maximizes the use of existing fiber and enables WorldCom to deliver a greater supply of bandwidth to the market to satisfy the nation's increasing demand for bandwidth intensive services. To achieve this industry first, the companies deployed 80 wavelengths of 40 Gigabits per wavelength for a total capacity of 3.2 Terabits per second. This achievement further establishes WorldCom as the leading provider of advanced network and data services while building upon the WorldCom's vision of becoming the preeminent communications company for the digital generation.
"This new technology by Siemens/Optisphere is a giant step forward in delivering increased bandwidth to customers." said Fred Briggs, WorldCom chief technology officer. "It will allow us to scale our network, while continuing to drive down the cost of bandwidth, by leveraging the capability of our embedded fiber plant."
Optisphere CEO Jost Spielvogel commented: "Building on five years development of 40 Gbit/s technology, this demonstrates the most bandwidth and cost-effective Dense Wave Division Multiplexing technology to date. As bandwidth demand increases, it allows our customers to squeeze the most out of every fiber available."
"WorldCom's globally owned and operated network is the most diverse, scalable and flexible digital communications network in the world. We are standards based and vendor independent" Briggs said. "We continue to challenge our communications equipment vendors to develop the highest quality of next generation technology. Our vendors allow us to use the most innovative technology available today which gives us the edge to be the industry leader in network expansion."
The new capacity record was achieved using Siemens/Optisphere's TransXpress Infinity DWDM platform and FOX 40 Gbit/s multiplexer. Eighty WDM channels with an individual capacity of 40 Gbit/s were transmitted over three spans of standard single mode fiber with a total link length of 250 km.
TransXpress Infinity is a flexible, modular DWDM platform allowing for terabit transmission (e.g. 80 x 40 Gbit/s or up to 160 x 10 Gbit/s) with the same amplifier platform using technologies such as Raman amplification, enhanced link control and optical add-drop multiplexing. The TransXpress FOX mutliplexer is an integral part of the Siemens/Optisphere optical node concept, including technologies such as adjustable dispersion compensation, polarization mode dispersion compensation and forward error correction.
WorldCom and Siemens have been working together in developing innovative optical networking solutions for several years. In 1998, WorldCom was the first service provider to install Siemens' 16-channel, 10 Gbit/s DWDM system. The new world record represents a further milestone in their joint effort of continuous improvement of optical networks. Research and development at Siemens promises even larger capacity increases in the future. A record 7 TBS of capacity, over a single fiber, was demonstrated in their Munich laboratories last fall.
Earlier this year, WorldCom placed 1.6 Terabits per second on a fiber pair.
About WorldCom
WorldCom (NASDAQ: WCOM) is a preeminent global communications company for the digital generation, operating in more than 65 countries with 2000 revenues of approximately $40 billion. WorldCom provides the innovative technologies and services that are the foundation for business in the 21st century. For more information, go to http://www.worldcom.com.
About Siemens Information and Communication Networks
Siemens Information and Communication Networks Group (ICN) is a leading provider of integrated voice and data networks for enterprises, carriers and service providers. Its comprehensive portfolio comprises, in particular, IP-based convergence solutions, and a full range of products for broadband access, optical transport networks as well as the integration, services and applications business. The Siemens Group thus provides complete solutions from a single source for the infrastructure of the Next Generation Internet, a prerequisite for mobile business. In fiscal year 2000 (year-end 30 September) ICN posted sales of 11.4 billion Euro, and earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) of 692 million Euro. ICN employs 53,000 people worldwide.
Based in Boca Raton, Fla., Siemens Information and Communication Networks Inc. is a leading provider of integrated voice and data networks with a comprehensive portfolio of products and solutions for enterprises, carriers and service providers. Last year, the company's 7,000 U.S. employees generated sales of nearly $2 billion. For more information, visit the company's web site at www.icn.siemens.com.
About Optisphere
Optisphere Networks Inc. develops and markets innovative systems for the global optical networks market. Optisphere provides optical terabit solutions for IP-optimized transport; routing and channel aggregation functions that help customers increase services, generate revenues and reduce total operating costs. A subsidiary of Siemens Information and Communication Networks Inc., Optisphere is headquartered in Reston, Va. For more information: www.optisphere.com.
