Verizon First to Deploy Standards-Based 100G Ethernet on Long-Haul IP Backbone Network

Verizon has deployed the first standards-based, multivendor 100 gigabit Ethernet link for an IP backbone on a portion of the company's European long-haul network, increasing capacity and performance for customers. The deployment marks Verizon's latest step in advancing 100G technology by implementing 100G Ethernet connections between routers on its IP network.

Using Juniper Networks routers and Ciena's commercially-available 100G Ethernet coherent optical transport solution, Verizon implemented 100G Ethernet connections between routers on its European backbone network between Paris and Frankfurt, a distance of 893 kilometers (555 miles). This advanced 100G router-to-router technology enables IP traffic to be more efficiently transported on the underlying 100G wavelengths.

"We don't have to look too far into the future to know that bandwidth needs will continue to grow, so Verizon is taking this next step of deploying a 100G Ethernet link to stay ahead of that demand," said Ihab Tarazi, vice president of global network planning for Verizon. "We will continue to deploy this technology on our global network where demand is highest."

As capacity needs increase, consolidating traffic onto one 100G channel rather than several 10G channels - the current speed for most network backbone traffic today -- is more cost effective and allows for the maximum amount of data to be transmitted with the fewest number of transmission errors.

"Verizon's 100G Ethernet deployment proves that the next generation of high-capacity transport technology is here today, and that our field-proven, coherent 100G solution effectively scales bandwidth capacity, improves performance and simplifies network routing in real network environments," said Philippe Morin, senior vice president of Ciena's global products group. "Ciena's close cooperation with Verizon illustrates where IP transport networks are headed and how the convergence of advanced optical and Ethernet technologies satisfies the relentless demands being placed on backbone networks."

The100G technology upgrade can be performed quickly and easily because new equipment is installed without the need to change the existing fiber infrastructure, allowing Verizon to carry up to 10 times the amount of network traffic carried on a standard route.

"Juniper is proud to be a part of the world's first 100G Ethernet network that is directly addressing the rapidly growing demand for reliable and secure bandwidth," said Stefan Dyckerhoff, executive vice president and general manager, Platform Systems Group at Juniper Networks. "By working together to deliver 100G service on Verizon's European network, we are helping businesses, governments and individuals realize the full potential of next-generation, high-performance networking technology."

Last year, Verizon deployed a 100G ultra-long-haul optical transmission system on this same network route, marking the first commercial deployment of such a system. The company began distinguishing itself in 100G technology with the successful completion of the industry's first field trial of 100G optical traffic on a live system in November 2007. This was followed by a number of 100G trials that further advanced the technology.

Added Tarazi, "We engineer our network with an eye to the future, so 100G technology will provide the competitive edge necessary to support the traffic growth we see from wireless and wireline applications on the Verizon IP network."

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, NASDAQ:VZ), headquartered in New York, is a global leader in delivering broadband and other wireless and wireline communications services to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers.  Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, serving 94.1 million customers nationwide.  Verizon also provides converged communications, information and entertainment services over America's most advanced fiber-optic network, and delivers innovative, seamless business solutions to customers around the world.  A Dow 30 company, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of more than 194,000 and last year generated consolidated revenues of $106.6 billion.  For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

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