Verizon Moves Toward Single, Higher Capacity, More Intelligent Global Network

CHICAGO - Verizon is transforming its global network into a single, higher-capacity platform that combines optical transport with advanced packet-switching technology.

The packet optical transport platform (P-OTP) network, a multiyear endeavor, will enhance service delivery performance, reliability and resiliency for voice, data and video services to Verizon's consumer, business and wholesale customers around the world. Packet switching transmits digitized data in blocks called packets.

Verizon currently has more than 2,000 optical transport platforms (OTPs) deployed in key metro and regional locations in the Americas, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. The latest optical switching gear also can handle traditional, time-division multiplexing (TDM) transmissions or packet traffic, leading to a single, high-capacity intelligent network.

"Since 2003, we've invested in our network with a goal of combining transport capacity with packet flexibility," said Mark Wegleitner, senior vice president of technology for Verizon. "With packet OTP, we create the foundation for enhanced service delivery, performance, reliability and resiliency for customers of all sizes."

Growth of Traffic Drives Need for More Capacity, Better Performance
Growth of data, voice and video communications is driving the need for more capacity and better performance. The P-OTP network helps on both fronts.

By incorporating the latest evolution of wavelength-selection switches (WSSs), the Verizon P-OTP network now will support eight fiber degrees, or directions, as opposed to the previous four fiber degrees. Each of those eight fiber degrees will support an additional 44 wavelengths in each direction, bringing the total to 88 wavelengths.

Because of these additional fiber directions, the P-OTP network will bolster Verizon's global mesh capabilities, a technology that creates additional paths to seamlessly reroute traffic in the event of multiple cable breaks or network disruptions. Verizon is an industry leader in global meshing.

OTP also improves performance, provisioning and efficiency by routing wavelengths without the typical optical-to-electrical-to-optical conversion that can affect the quality of the signal. Also, fewer pieces of equipment are needed, thereby reducing the interval to deploy new services by limiting the number of touch-points in the network.

Ultra-Long-Haul Network Complements OTP
Complementing Verizon's metro and regional packet OTP strategy is Verizon's Ultra Long Haul (ULH) network. Starting in 2004, Verizon was the first major communications service provider to deploy an extensive ULH network in the U.S.

Since then, Verizon has deployed 58,000 kilometers (36,000 miles) of ULH in the U.S., Europe and the Asia-Pacific region.

ULH also reduces the need for regeneration equipment, lowering operational expenses as well as the number of active components in the network. Verizon has plans to integrate packet capabilities into its ULH network by early 2011.

"Verizon is harnessing the latest technology to address the ever-increasing bandwidth demands of individuals and businesses," said Wegleitner. "Whether it's fourth-generation wireless, fiber-to-the-home or a global optical platform, the best network supports the most useful and innovative services for customers of every size - today and tomorrow."

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE: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 more than 87 million customers nationwide. Verizon's Wireline operations provide converged communications, information and entertainment services over the nation's most advanced fiber-optic network. Wireline also includes Verizon Business, which delivers innovative and seamless business solutions to customers around the world. A Dow 30 company, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of more than 235,000 and last year generated consolidated operating revenues of more than $97 billion. For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

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