How Alcatel-Lucent is set to double capacity of today’s data transport networks

Taking a cue from enabling speed and capacity requirements for next gen networks, Alcatel-Lucent is to double capacity of today’s data transport networks by delivering a single-carrier 200G DWDM optical line card.

This 100G/200G line card delivers 200G on fiber to allow operators to protect network investment as they evolve capacity and speeds with deployment underway in 20 networks.

The card will plug in to Alcatel-Lucent’s 1830 Photonic Service Switch (PSS) platform to offer service providers a flexible network evolution path and meet ever-growing demands for high-bandwidth services such as streaming HD video and cloud computing. Following a pre-selection process, the 100G/200G single carrier line card has already been deployed into 20 service providers networks.

A Bell Labs study released in December 2013 revealed that demand for real-time video content streamed from the cloud to mobile smart devices will increase by 720 percent between 2012 and 2017. Traffic generated from datacenter connectivity will also increase by 440 percent in the same period. Using the 1830 Photonic Service Switch (PSS), Alcatel-Lucent’s 100G/200G- line card family allows service providers to support a mix of traffic while taking advantage of a scalable, agile, flexible and cost-effective solution. The ability to operate in either 100G or 200G mode means they can meet today’s bandwidth demands and seamlessly grow capacity when needed without additional investment.

Ron Kline, Principal Analyst, Intelligent Networks, Ovum said: “200G provides a very compelling case for operators looking to lower total cost of ownership. The technology provides twice the bandwidth in the same footprint without increasing power requirements, a great option for operators.”

Basil Alwan, President of Alcatel-Lucent’s IP Routing & Transport business line, said: “We were the first to innovate with a single-carrier 100G solution and we are now the first to offer 200G. This is the most flexible solution on the market – it’s backward compatible allowing existing customers to easily deploy extra speed and capacity in their networks whenever and wherever they need it. This removes the inefficiency of having to predict future demand and purchase extra capacity, when upgrading networks, when it may not be needed or used for some time.”