Network solutions provider Windstream Wholesale, in collaboration with Colt Technology Services, Nokia, and Viavi Solutions, has completed what the company claims is the world's first 800 Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) transatlantic service trial. The trial, spanning over 8,500 kilometers of subsea and terrestrial fiber between Chicago and London, marks an achievement in optical networking.
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Technology Behind the Trial
The trial utilised Nokia's Photonic Service Interconnect-Modular (PSI-M) platform, with Viavi Solutions providing critical testing expertise. Viavi conducted pre-deployment assessments using its ONT-800 FLEX XPM test sets, ensuring seamless hardware and software integration. The validation process included generating 800G data streams to confirm error-free transmission and long-term service stability.
Validation Process
The thoroughness of Viavi's approach increased the probability of successful hardware and software integration, significantly reduced post-deployment troubleshooting needs, and accelerated the validation of the 800G service buildout.
Windstream explained that the collaboration with Viavi not only facilitated a successful trial but also ensured that Windstream Wholesale can deliver unprecedented bandwidth capabilities, essential for AI-powered applications and high-performance network solutions.
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Extensive Testing
Windstream noted that Viavi's extensive pre-deployment testing of components, software, and systems, along with its on-site setup and remote application engineering expertise, played a crucial role in overcoming deployment challenges.
"We are honoured to be part of the world's first 800G optical and IP service trial, spanning terrestrial and transatlantic networks with Windstream," said Tom Fawcett, senior vice president and general manager of Lab and Production at Viavi.
