AT&T has claimed an ‘industry first’ after activating a 400G optical connection carrying live internet traffic across its network. The telco notes that the connection – between Dallas and Atlanta – is not a proof of concept, but a significant upgrade to its production network. AT&T notes that the upgrade has been deployed on an SDN-enabled Ultra Long Haul (ULH) system from Ciena.
Andre Fuetsch, AT&T’s executive vice president and chief technology officer, commented: ‘The move from a 100G interface to 400G is a milestone for the communications industry, because it means we can continue to stay ahead of the tsunami of data demand we’ve seen over the last decade-plus.’