AT&T is continuing its network evolution by launching trials of 400 Gigabit Ethernet data speeds for businesses starting in early 2017.
The second largest mobile operator in the US intend to be the first in the industry to demonstrate a 400GbE service across its production network which aligns with the shift toward a software-centric network.
When complete, 400GbE will give AT&T's business customers numerous benefits. Those include faster uploads and downloads, the ability to transport massive amounts of data at record speeds, more bandwidth and faster video streaming – all on the AT&T network. A 400GbE connection would have the capability to download approximately ten 2-hour movies in less than a second. Or the ability to watch 100,000 streaming movies at the same time.
AT&T said data traffic on its network grew more than 150,000% between 2007 and 2015.
The 400 Gigabit Ethernet testing will be performed in 3 phases:
- Phase 1: Will use optical gear from Coriant to carry a true 400GbE service across a long-distance span of AT&T global backbone from New York to Washington, demonstrating that AT&T's nationwide software-centric network is 400G-ready.
- Phase 2: Will trial a 400GbE on a single 400G wavelength across AT&T's OpenROADM metro network. AT&T plans to use optical gear from Ciena, a developer of next-generation coherent optical solutions, to show the network is ready to transport 400GbE to serve its customers in a metro area.
- Phase 3: Will test the first instance of a 400GbE open router platform. The "disaggregated router" platform uses merchant silicon and open source software – another industry first.
Rick Hubbard, senior vice president, AT&T Network Product Management
Although there have been efforts focused on 400 Gigabit Ethernet viability and industry standards over the past couple of years, we are excited to be the first to implement a pilot. 400GbE has the potential to transform how our largest retail and wholesale customers manage their networks today.
