Infinera achieves record fibre capacity in Telstra InfraCo tests

Optical networking vendor Infinera has announced the successful completion of desktop simulated network evaluations utilising Telstra InfraCo's Australian intercity optical fibre. The evaluations tested two simulated routes - a 1,240-km link between Melbourne and Sydney and a 3,937-km one between Perth and Sydney - yielding fibre capacity results of 83.6 Tbps and 57.6 Tbps, respectively. These findings establish a new standard for fibre capacity over long-distance networks and significantly improve network efficiency, enabling the delivery of more services per fibre.

For the simulations, Infinera used its GX Series Compact Modular Platform equipped with ICE7, the company's latest generation of coherent optical technology, and Infinera's Super C—+ Super L-enabled next-generation optical line system combined with Corning's SMF-28 ULL fibre characteristics. This advancement significantly magnifies data transmission rates and network capacity by making more efficient use of fibre assets. To demonstrate, by implementing these technologies in the Melbourne to Sydney route simulation, capacity increased by approximately 53% compared to the current fibre and line system performance.

As part of its strategy, Telstra InfraCo aims to augment its national fibre network by deploying new fibre paths across the country. Specifically designed to enhance capacity and speed, these paths will link numerous cities, regions, and remote communities. Telstra InfraCo expects to provide state-of-the-art, market-leading services to a customer base comprising hyper-scalers, service providers, and government entities.

Kathryn Jones, Telstra InfraCo's National Infrastructure Projects Executive, commented on the successful simulation: "The simulated network modelling using Infinera's ICE7 on Corning's SMF-28 ULL fibre shows that this major fibre digital infrastructure deployment positions Telstra InfraCo at the forefront of the telecommunications industry, equipped to provide cutting-edge, market-leading services to our customers now and into the future."

Ron Johnson, SVP and General Manager of Optical Systems and Global Engineering at Infinera spoke about this new simulated benchmark: "This marks a significant technology milestone for Infinera, underscoring the power of ICE7 and Super C+L technology in a real-world networking environment." He further added, "The simulated results demonstrated unmatched fibre capacity and long-haul efficiency."

These simulation results highlight the benefits of integrating innovative technologies into fibre networks. By increasing capacity and efficiency, telecommunications companies like Telstra InfraCo and Infinera can better serve their customers – ensuring they are more connected than ever before.