Verizon Expands and Enhances Packet Optical Deployment

Verizon now 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.


Verizon has also begun deploying the latest evolution of wavelength-selection switches (WSSs). This enables the Verizon P-OTP network to 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 also noted that 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.


"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."


In addition, Verizon noted that it will begin to integrate packet optical capabilities into its Ultra Long Haul (ULH) network by 2011. Since launching its ULH network in 2004, 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.



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