XO Selects Infinera for Optical Network Upgrade

XO Communications has selected Infinera’s DTN optical system to upgrade and expand its core long-haul backbone network and introduce new higher-capacity services.

The Infinera DTN is the first optical telecom system based on photonic integrated circuits (PICs), which enable multiple wavelengths of light, carrying hundreds of gigabits per second of traffic, to be managed digitally, rather than as analog waves. In contrast, conventional WDM products, built without the benefit of PICs, use analog techniques for many networking functions.

“With Infinera, we can go to OC192 economically,” said John Nishimoto, director of product management and marketing for XO. Previously, the company offered up to OC48 point-to-point long-haul links. Other services on the drawing board are 2.5 gigabit and 10 gigiabit waves as well as gigabit Ethernet, 10gigE and 40gigE services.

XO’s 18,000-mile national fiber-optic network connects more than one million miles of metro fiber and serves 75 metropolitan areas across the United States.

The build will happen on a phased basis through third quarter, he said, noting that high-capacity segments will be upgraded first. New products will be rolled out once the upgrade is completed, he added.

Immediate benefits include a better cost basis for long-haul services, he said, noting more competitive wholesale pricing could be expected.

XO spokesman Chad Couser said the company also will be able to move away from leasing arrangements with other long-haul providers. This means XO will have a large, nationally wholly owned network, said Couser.

Couser added XO will be able to drop services into cities XO does not usually serve, expanding its geography. This expansion likely will take place after third quarter and on a request basis, said Nishimoto.

Citynet, OnFiber Communications and Level 3 Communications Inc. are other US> carriers using the DTN platform.

Infinera www.infinera.com

XO Communications Inc. www.xo.com

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