Sprint Completes First Transatlantic Native 40-Gbps IP-Over-Dense-Wavelength-Division Multiplexing Link

Sprint (NYSE:S) today announced it completed a technology trial of the first alien (generated by a device external to the system) wavelength OC768/STM256 40-Gigabit per second (Gbps) transatlantic Internet Protocol (IP) link between New York and Luleå, Sweden. Spanning more than 9,000 km of fiber distance, the circuit includes a 7,630 km segment of transatlantic submarine TAT-14 cable system between Sea Girt, N.J. and Blåbjerg, Denmark. This represents the first time that an OC768 40-Gbps signal was successfully transmitted over a submarine cable using a single wavelength and existing Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) systems.

The trial was made possible with the support of the TAT-14 cable system consortium (a consortium of approximately 40 international telecommunications carriers) and by TAT-14 landing station operator in Denmark, TeliaSonera International Carrier. TeliaSonera International Carrier provided support and optical backhaul from the European cable landing station for TAT-14 to Stockholm and SUnet, the Swedish research and education network that provided the optical path to Lulea in the north of Sweden.

"This successful trial of 40-Gbps over IP on a submarine cable system represents another significant first in IP networking for Sprint,” said Kathy Walker, chief information and network officer for Sprint. "It serves as a reminder of how far technology has advanced. TAT-14 and Sprint were the first to transmit data at 10-Gbps (OC192) speeds across the same path in 2001. Sprint and TAT-14 are making history again. By transmitting 40-Gbps over an existing 10-Gbps DWDM system, we’ve demonstrated that Sprint can increase capacity for its customers while minimizing additional capital and operational costs.”

Rather than using traditional external DWDM equipment to generate the long-haul signal, the connection was based on Cisco’s Carrier Routing System, CRS-1, and IP-over-Dense-Wavelength-Division Multiplexing (IPoDWDM) systems. With the CRS-1 IPoDWDM production solution, the CRS-1 emits a colored 40-Gbps wavelength that is fed directly into existing 10-Gbps DWDM transmission equipment, providing four times the capacity and eliminating costly external transponders. This trial was enabled through close collaboration between Cisco Systems and StrataLight Communications, which lead the industry on the integration of IP and optical technologies. Integrating IP and Optical technologies enables rapid deployment of incremental capacity at a reduced complexity, cost and carbon footprint compared to traditional router and DWDM system approaches.

"StrataLight is pleased to have collaborated with Cisco and Sprint to deliver a long-haul optical interface technology to enable the world’s first transmission of an unregenerated, single-wavelength, 40-Gbps circuit over a transoceanic distance,” said Ross Saunders, general manager for Next Generation Transport at StrataLight. "This trial demonstrates the ability to multiply the transmission capacity of existing transoceanic submarine systems by four times simply by upgrading the end-points only. This can provide significant capital savings for service providers vs. deploying new submarine cable systems.”

As use of the Internet continues to drive higher capacity needs, this trial highlights the potential for more than a fourfold increase in aggregate traffic capacity. TAT-14 is well-prepared to handle ever-increasing demands for high-speed data transmissions in the coming years. The trial provides valuable data that suggests the feasibility of future transmission technology improvements approaching 100-Gbps.

"Carrier-class routers, which integrate optical DWDM transport technology with packet processing, are the driving innovation behind the significant gains in network efficiency and cable system asset value,” said Peter Lothberg, IP and optical expert from Stupi, LLC. "The road to greater success will continue to be paved by router designs optimized for improved optical transport.”

About Sprint Nextel

Sprint Nextel offers a comprehensive range of wireless and wireline communications services bringing the freedom of mobility to consumers, businesses and government users. Sprint Nextel is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying innovative technologies, including two wireless networks serving nearly 51 million customers at the end of the third quarter 2008; industry-leading mobile data services; instant national and international push-to-talk capabilities; and a global Tier 1 Internet backbone. For more information, visit www.sprint.com.

About TeliaSonera International Carrier

TeliaSonera International Carrier is the only pan-European provider of wholesale services that can offer IP, capacity and voice services. TeliaSonera owns and manages more than 43,000 km of fiber-optic cable and has more than 100 points of presence across Europe, the United States and Asia. In Europe, TeliaSonera handles more IP traffic and sells more capacity between countries than any other communications provider. More than 85 percent of the European internet market uses TeliaSonera’s IP backbone. Competing against other wholesale carriers from around the world, TeliaSonera received the Best Wholesale Carrier award at the World Communication Awards 2007. A crucial factor in clinching the award was the fact that TeliaSonera provided consistent, high-quality services. For more information, visit www.teliasoneraic.com.

About StrataLight

StrataLight Communications is a leader in commercial deployment of ultra-high-capacity optical transmission subsystems with line rates in excess of 40-Gbps. StrataLight Communications enables service providers to address the growing demand for bandwidth driven by IP converged services using their existing fiber network infrastructure. StrataLight’s products are sold to service providers by optical networking (OEM) partners. For more information, visit www.StrataLight.com.

Editor’s Note:

On July 15, 2008, Sprint announced the implementation of 40-Gbps network capabilities on the Global Sprint Tier 1 IP network using IPoDWDM, supporting the needs of customers who are looking to adopt next-generation services, grow their businesses, and enable their employees to conduct day-to-day tasks, simply and immediately. To view the announcement, visit www.sprint.com/newsroom.