Columbus Networks expands 40G DWDM network, adds capacity to handle demand Tweet

Optical network from Nokia Siemens Networks increases security, capacity while reducing costs.

Columbus Networks recently upgraded its Florida Transport Network, a main U.S. optical fiber communications backbone that connects to international undersea fiber optic cables in the Caribbean and Central American region. The latest upgrade adds new 40G channels (gigabits per second, on each beam of light) to the company’s existing dense wave division multiplex (DWDM) platform, implemented by Nokia Siemens Networks in 2008.

In the next expansion phase, slated for the second half of 2010, Columbus Networks has also contracted Nokia Siemens Networks to deploy a second DWDM platform, creating the Florida Transport Network II for enhanced network security and service resilience. The new network will offer 40 additional 40G channels for data traffic, for a total potential capacity of more than 3 terabits per second.

“We are very pleased by the success we have had in responding to our customers’ increased demand for new IP and data services,” said Peter Collins, chief technology officer at Columbus Networks. “Customers are increasingly less able to predict their capacity needs in advance, so it’s crucial our network is built with the flexibility to quickly and reliably enable major ‘in-service’ upgrades, without impact to existing services. This successful deployment is a clear sign of Nokia Siemens Networks’ leadership in providing robust, ultra-high capacity 40G solutions.”

“Columbus Networks is continuously growing and enlarging its footprint,” said Michael Jakob, head of fixed networks business development for the Caribbean at Nokia Siemens Networks. “Our 40G solution is built for continuous network evolution that supports additional traffic and network demands, providing Columbus Networks with greater flexibility in network design and installation. And, most importantly, it helps provide its customers with the best service experience.”

The Nokia Siemens Networks solution deployed is based on the latest version of its hiT 7300 DWDM (dense wavelength division multiplexing) platform. The platform provides Columbus Networks a highly scalable transport backbone that can securely and cost-efficiently manage the high data traffic volumes required by its carrier customers.
About Columbus Networks

Columbus Networks is a wholesale communications service provider that offers advanced, high-speed bandwidth capacity to telecommunications companies and Internet Service Providers. Columbus Networks is the largest subsea fiber optic communications company connecting the United States, Mexico, Central America, South America and the Caribbean. The company’s undersea fiber optic networks span more than 18,000 kilometers of cable routes including Americas Region Caribbean Optical-ring System (ARCOS-1), Colombia – Florida Express (CFX), EC-Link cable system, Caribbean Crossings, Fibralink and Maya. Columbus Networks is a wholly owned subsidiary of Columbus Communications based in Bridgetown, Barbados. Columbus Networks is based in North Miami, Florida. The company’s website is www.columbus-networks.com. Telephone: 1-786-274-7400.

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