Sprint Implements 40 Gbps IP-over-DWDM using Cisco/Ciena

Sprint is deploying 40 Gbps network trunks in its Tier 1 IP backbone using IP-over-DWDM (IPoDWDM) technology.

The implementation of IPoDWDM drives efficiencies by eliminating client connections between the router and DWDM system and increasing bandwidth four times by transmitting 40-Gbps across an existing 10-Gbps DWDM system. The companies said the integration of router and DWDM transponder components reduces network complexity and increases the scalability and resiliency of the backbone. IPoDWDM can also position Sprint to rapidly move to higher data rates (e.g., 100-Gbps) without overhauling the network infrastructure.


Earlier this year, Sprint completed final testing of the 40-Gbps IPoDWDM technology and enabled their first production 40-Gbps circuit. The implementation uses the Cisco CRS-1 Carrier Routing System with built-in transponders along with Ciena's CoreStream Agility platform to transport the wavelength across the fiber-optic network. To date, several 40-Gbps circuits have been deployed, and those are carrying commercial IP-based services.


Sprint, which is deploying the Cisco CRS-1 Carrier Routing System across its global network, conducted the first 40-Gbps technology trial with live-production traffic in 2004. Sprint began deploying them in its IP core network in 2006. Today, Sprint CRS-1 routers are deployed in more than 25 U.S. cities.


Sprint began deploying Ciena's CoreStream platform in its Tier 1 IP backbone in 2000 and currently has more than 1,000 nodes deployed.http://www.cisco.comhttp://www.sprint.com