Vodafone also took SN8K and SN16K.
Vodafone Lights Up UK Backbone Network To Support Next Generation Wireless Network
Vodafone UK works with Sycamore Networks and Global Crossing to quickly move from concept through to deployment of underlying optical network
BOSTON & LONDON, May 31, 2001 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Vodafone UK, the country's favourite mobile phone network, today announces the successful completion of the deployment of Phase 1 of the Company's underlying optical backbone network build out. This new network will provide Vodafone UK with the capacity needed to support its growing wireless communications needs and more easily facilitate the introduction of enhanced mobile data services. To build this next generation network, Vodafone UK has worked with Sycamore Networks, the supplier of its intelligent optical switching and transport platforms, and Global Crossing, which supplied the dark fibre.
"The flexibility of Sycamore equipment and quality of the fibre supplied by Global Crossing has allowed us to build a resilient, high bandwidth, quality network that underpins our expansion efforts in the UK," commented Mike Pinches, Networks Managing Director for Vodafone UK. "The successful Phase 1 launch of Vodafone's first wholly-owned fibre optic transmission network will enable us to realize significant cost savings and immediate access to substantially increased capacity to cope with future growth, unexpected demands and all wireless communication and emerging 3G traffic as we continue to scale our network and customer base."
With plans to Span the breadth of the United Kingdom, phase 1 is delivering services across the main London sites and the infrastructure is capable of rapid expansion to support up to five terabits of information. When complete, the network will be fully expandable to be able to support up to 62.5 terabits of capacity. Mike Pinches continued, "our network was deployed within exceptionally demanding timeframes, the successful installation and turn up of the network reflects the commitment of all three companies to work as a team to ensure that we were able to quickly realize our deployment goals."
Vodafone UK is using Sycamore's SN 3000, SN 16000, SN 8000 and SILVX(TM) network management system to build a flexible mesh infrastructure that can cost effectively scale to meet the demands of the company's rapidly growing customer base. Sycamore president and CEO Dan Smith commented, "Vodafone UK has been able to use Sycamore's intelligent optical switching and transport products to build a resilient network infrastructure from which they will have the ability to rapidly deploy additional bandwidth on as needed basis." Sycamore delivered Vodafone UK a "turn key" solution, providing the core technology used to build the network as well as various consulting services including network design and testing, installation and enhanced network management facilities.
To build the underlying network, Vodafone UK selected Global Crossing as their supplier of fibre assets which they could then turn into much needed capacity. "Vodafone's decision to place all of its network requirements with Global Crossing is a tremendous vote of confidence. This reflects both on the reach and depth of our network and the level of collaboration that went into developing a solution that matches Vodafone's network requirements in this crucial phase as it gears up for the introduction of 3G services," commented Frits Bosch, SVP Carriers Services Europe.
Vodafone UK plans to increase the capacity and footprint of their backbone network in phases over the next several years. "As the country's leading mobile telecommunications company, Vodafone UK is uniquely placed to help our customers get the most of our new technologies such as 3G and wireless internet," Mike Pinches continued. "To support these innovations, we are committed to building the underlying infrastructure to ensure that our customers can reliably and effectively take advantage of these advances with their mobile devices." |
