Qwest To Upgrade its National Network
Qwest Communications is enhancing its nationwide network to deliver speeds of up to 100 Gbps in markets where the company offers its Ethernet-based iQ Networking and QWave data networking services. The build-out has begun and will continue through 2010.
The new architecture is designed to reduce latency and add capacity to the core network to accommodate growth from video and other bandwidth-intensive applications. Qwest will deploy, among other technologies, Alcatel-Lucent’s recently announced 100 Gbps Ethernet service routing capability. Installation includes supporting routers and switches out to the edge of the network, as well as Alcatel-Lucent’s optical, ultra long-haul platform that will transport the 100 Gbps services.
The enhancements potentially will allow network traffic to go from point-to-point with the following capabilities:
- 138 4.7 Gigabyte DVDs in 60 seconds
- A 2-hour HD movie or presentation in less than 9 seconds
- A fully loaded 500 Gigabyte hard drive in 46 seconds
- 90 digital mammograms per second
Qwest’s objective with this network upgrade is to deliver more powerful capabilities to its customer base, including global enterprises and governments. Additionally, the upgrade will alleviate pressure on the network backbone.
