Data Transfer at the Speed of Light

Large enterprises have bandwidth needs, which will continue to grow dramatically. When considering capacity requirements, enterprises are looking to optical services as a cost-effective way to jump to the next capacity level. Optical services fill the need for scalable high-capacity services.

Optical services use fiber-optic cable and Dense Wave Division Multiplexing (DWDM) technology to enable multiple data protocols to be transferred over an optical channel. These two technologies are used in conjunction to quickly transfer large amounts of data at high bandwidth speeds from 155 Mbps to 10 Gbps per channel. Many independent channels can be on the same fibers so the network has room to grow. Users can deliver high-speed voice, resilient data, data storage protocols and Ethernet interfaces.

DWDM technologies divide a single pair of fibers into dozens of optical channels, referred to as "wavelengths" or "lambdas." Each channel can support a different protocol or application. They can also be combined to create single, massively capable pipes dedicated to multiple applications. DWDM technology multiplies the capacity of a single fiber and eliminates extra data conversion services. Protocols include ESCON and FICON, Native Ethernet, Fiber Channel, SONET, SDH and ATM. DWDM interfaces can be OC-3c, OC-12c, OC-48c, OC-192c, 1.06 Gbps Fiber Channel, 2.1 Gbps Fiber Channel, 1 Gbps Ethernet and 10 Gbps Ethernet.

Users

Multi-service optical services are often used for campus arrangements in which companies want high-capacity connections between buildings; companies that need data communications between numerous locations; and for businesses that need secure communications between data centers and headquarter locations.

These companies usually have the in-house expertise to install and manage their own communications networks, including SONET, Ethernet or ATM. They also have the expertise and knowledge to provide on-going maintenance and expansion to include new technologies that support business growth.

Benefits

Multi-service optical services benefit customers who seek large-scale capacity at the lowest per-unit cost. As large enterprise capacity needs continue to grow, optical services are a cost-effective way to scale current services. Optical services are a cost-effective way to scale services. New bandwidth or services can be deployed on an existing fiber strand in weeks or days. This jump to the next level, using optical services, ensures a company's ability to support capacity for the future.

Optical services are a cost-effective way to deliver large amounts of data quickly, dependably and securely, making it the service of choice for many enterprises.

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