For the tests Colt used the Windstream Flex grid open line system between Chicago and Ashburn, Virginia, to build a 600G wavelength using their own coherent transmission system.
Colt also used the Windstream-provided managed spectrum to deliver multiple 100GE and 400GE services, spanning 1800km between the business hubs.
“This trial between Colt and Windstream saw Colt being able to deliver 400G and multiple 100G services over a 600G wavelength using our next-gen transmission system and Windstream’s spectrum offering in a fully integrated way,” said Vivek Gaur, vice president of network engineering at Colt.
“We have extensive experience in successfully delivering spectrum solutions for our customers in Europe – however, this successful trial using Windstream spectrum opens the possibility of building out a 100G capable US backbone network. We are also excited for what this trial means for our future collaboration with Windstream, as Colt actively pursues innovation and investment in technology trials to drive potential partnerships – so, we look forward to working together more.”
In addition, as part of its Intelligent Converged Optical Network (ICON) architecture functionality Windstream also delivered key performance metrics of the transmission network, known as Layer Zero Analytics, through its customer portal.
These self-diagnostic metrics enables customers to independently plan coherent wavelength deployments, self-diagnose service performance and assess the health of the network.
“This first foray into managed spectrum by Windstream Wholesale demonstrates the flexibility of our ICON network and the technology’s exciting potential for domestic terrestrial networks,” said Buddy Bayer, chief network officer for Windstream.
“It’s another step in Windstream’s ongoing and carefully planned network architectural strategy that leverages the benefits of fundamental design principles of disaggregation, openness, flexibility and network intelligence. As always, the ultimate goal is to meet our customers’ expanding need for high-capacity bandwidth in the most efficient manner for years to come.
“We see this as a foundational milestone in the technology partnership between Colt and Windstream. Looking forward, we envision more ground-breaking collaborations in the arena of open and disaggregated intercarrier services between these two industry leading companies.”
In related news, earlier this month Colt unveiled its SD-WAN White Label solution enabling wholesale customers to launch a global SD-WAN service from Colt with a customisable end-customer portal.
