400 GbE Achieved: AT&T Completes 400 Gb Ethernet Testing

AT&T successfully completed testing a single-wavelength 400 gigabit Ethernet (GbE) data speed across its production network. This was the final phase of its multi-step trial. This trial of an IEEE standards-based 400 GbE end-to-end circuit demonstrates AT&T's intent to lead the industry in providing next-generation speeds – helping transform the way customers do business.

“Introducing 400 GbE is a natural next step. Customer demands have shifted to faster speeds, more video-centric content and cloud integration,” said Roman Pacewicz, chief product officer, AT&T Business. “We consistently provide top-quality services to businesses and are proud to pave the way for this industry innovation.”

This industry-first also aligns with AT&T's shift toward an open and software-centric network. Utilizing open-source controller technology, the end-to-end service transported across the AT&T OpenROADM metro network – using optical gear from Ciena, a developer of next-generation coherent optical solutions – provides further flexibility and cost-effective services for customers. Prior to this successful trial, all other field demonstrations have required multiple wavelengths to create a 400 GbE connection.

A next-generation network speed provides businesses like online video streaming services, search engines and mobility companies with the ability to transfer massive amounts of data at record speeds. For example, a service provider could transport:

•Approximately ten, 2-hour movies in less than a second.
•100,000 streaming movies at the same time.

AT&T also used open-sourced white boxes to act as network equipment during the trials. This additional flexibility helps control costs and create interoperability between the foundational hardware elements of the network.

Thanks to the successful completion of these trials, AT&T can now upgrade its network backbones to offer 400 GbE and prepare to offer ultra-fast speeds to businesses – helping to meet the growing demand for more bandwidth.