AquaComms has selected Ciena’s GeoMesh solution for its new AEConnect Cable System.
AEConnect is a new subsea cable system that is a diverse trans-Atlantic route and spans more than 5,400 km connecting New York with the West Coast of Ireland, including deep water branching units for future landing station connectivity. In addition to the trans-Atlantic segment, the system supports metro networks, data center interconnectivity (DCI) and access to all of the major data centers in Dublin, as well as from Wales to London.
AquaComms is deploying Ciena’s 6500 Packet-Optical Platform, powered by WaveLogic 3 Extreme coherent optics, to provide 100G services between point of presences (PoP). Ciena said the design of the AEConnect system will allow AquaComms and its customers to take advantage of advanced modulation schemes such as 8QAM and 16QAM that provide greater spectral efficiency and reach. Additionally, Ciena’s OneControl Unified Management System together with PinPoint Advanced Fiber Analytics and OneConnect Layer 0 Control Plane will provide end-to-end network management, visibility and restoration on the terrestrial segments.
AquaComms Embarks on New America-Europe Undersea Cable
AquaComms, a new venture based in Dublin, is preparing to launch a new trans-Atlantic cable by the end of this year.
TE SubCom has begun manufacturing on the America Europe Connect (AEConnect) subsea cable system, which will will land in Shirley, NY and Killala on the West Coast of Ireland. The cable will span more than 5,400 km with stubbed branching units for future landings. It will use CeltixConnect, an Irish Sea subsea cable wholly owned by AquaComms, to provide extended connectivity to London and greater Europe. The initial project cost is expected to be $300 million and is funded in part through a debt offering arranged by Nomura.
AEConnect will be optimized to carry 130 wavelengths of 100G per fiber pair. It will also feature an SDN control plan for advanced service provisioning.
- In August 2015, Equinix said its New York and London International Business Exchange data centers will serve as carrier-neutral network access points for AquaComms new transatlantic fiber optic system, America Europe Connect (AEConnect), which is scheduled to enter service before the end of the year.
