Nokia says it has supplied Spark with the first dense wavelength division multiplexing optical communications technology capable or carrying 200Gbps on a single optical wavelength, twice the current maximum presently supported on Spark’s network.
It says the higher carrying capacity offered by the technology will enable Spark to meet rising customer bandwidth demand on existing network without huge investment in the network.
“The Nokia optical solution effectively doubles capacity while reducing cost per bit on the Spark fibre network,” Nokia said. “As a result, Spark is able to deliver more value and a better experience to its enterprise, retail mobile and broadband customers without the need for major investment in fibre optic cables and other CAPEX/OPEX-related costs.”
Colin Brown, general manager of networks at Spark said: “Nokia has helped Spark NZ reach a new milestone with our world-class optical transport network, achieving our vision of a data-driven future for New Zealand and underpinning an integrated network including fibre, 3G, 4G, 4.5G, wireless broadband and Wi-Fi."
The higher bandwidth is enabled with the Nokia 1830 Photonic Service Switch. This, Nokia says, is able to “balance capacity and distance for individual wavelengths” by enabling other wavelengths to operate at 10Gbps or 100Gbps on the same fibre, using already installed technology.
“Spark's new 200Gbps network link connects its core network with the global gateway, and enables the service provider stay ahead of the data demand curve for both residential and enterprise customers,” Nokia said.
“It will help meet continuing strong business and consumer demand for data bandwidth, utilizing existing systems to efficiently boost capacity for current usage and future growth.”