Verizon moves 800 Gbps of data on a single wavelength

  • Verizon to deploy its new optical configuration in the fiber network in the second half of 2020.

  • Verizon's 800G trial on its live fiber network was notable because it showed equipment interoperability from two different vendors.

  • The use of this new solution shows the evolution to a more software-driven and automated network with tunable capacity from 200Gbps to 800Gbps per wavelength.


Verizon, along with Ciena and Juniper Networks, have recently completed a test in Verizon’s live fiber network, transporting 800 Gbps of data on a single wavelength. This came as a breakthrough since 5G promises blazing fast gigabit speeds, super low single-digit millisecond latency, and huge scalability. It will be able to connect billions of devices and moving terabytes of data from new and exciting, never-before-seen use cases including video streaming, virtual reality, cloud computing, and machine learning and artificial intelligence. To move that much amount of overwhelming data, Verizon engineers are also advancing the connecting layer of fiber.


While 5G holds the promise of connecting billions of devices while moving terabytes of data, it needs advanced fiber optic transport on the backend in order to serve new applications such as video streaming, virtual reality, cloud computing, machine learning and artificial intelligence.


Verizon's 800G trial on its live fiber network was notable because it showed equipment interoperability from two different suppliers and the capability to quadruple the typical capacity carried on a wavelength.


Learn more: VERIZON TO DOUBLE THE NUMBER OF CITIES WITH ITS 5G MOBILE SERVICE IN 2020


The test traffic was transmitted between two Juniper Networks QFX 5220 packet platforms across two Ciena 6500 platforms powered by WaveLogic 5 Extreme (WL5e) coherent optics.


“800G is possible today with our WaveLogic 5 Extreme technology and this live Network trial is remarkable because it shows the progression of capacity and efficiencies. Programmable 200Gbps-800Gbps transmission will allow Verizon to effectively respond to fluctuating user demands by creating a more software-driven, programmable and highly scalable network.”

-Scott McFeely, Senior Vice President of Global Products and Services, Ciena


The use of this new coherent optics and equipment from Ciena and Juniper Networks demonstrates the evolution to a more software-driven and automated network with tunable capacity from 200Gbps to 800Gbps per wavelength, allowing Verizon to maximize efficiencies with the ability to optimize capacity for any distance and adjust to unpredictable traffic demands  dynamically to meet customer needs.


Learn more: T-MOBILE VS. VERIZON: THE BATTLE OVER 5G DOMINANCE


“As network traffic continues to grow sharply, driven by video and other new 5G uses cases, it’s imperative for communications service providers and infrastructure vendors to work closely together for rapid innovation. New 400GbE packet routers and 800G coherent optical systems help drive down the cost per bit with improved scale and density. We’re excited to have played a role in this successful trial and look forward to help deliver new, high-bandwidth services to end-users.”

- Sally Bament, Vice President, Cloud & Service Provider Marketing, Juniper Networks


Verizon will begin deploying this new optical configuration in the fiber network in the second half of 2020.

Last year, Ciena, Internet2 and Juniper Networks announced they had provisioned live traffic over a 1,367-mile circuit using a single 400-gigabit Ethernet link. The 400G path used a new open line system capable of 400G and 800G wavelengths that Internet2, Ciena and CenturyLink are deploying as the first segments of Internet2's next generation infrastructure initiative.


About Verizon

Verizon Communications Inc. was formed on June 30, 2000 and is celebrating its 20th year as one of the world’s leading providers of communications, information and entertainment products and services. Headquartered in New York City and with a presence around the world, Verizon generated revenues of $130.9 billion in 2018.  The company offers voice, data and video services and solutions on its award winning networks and platforms, delivering on customers’ demand for mobility, reliable network connectivity, security and control.


About Ciena

Ciena is a networking systems, services and software company. We provide solutions that help our clients create the Adaptive NetworkTM in response to the constantly changing demands of their users. By delivering best-in-class networking technology through high-touch consultative relationships, the company builds the world’s most agile networks with automation, openness and scale.

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