First 10 Gbps DWDM Route Put into Operation in CESNET2 Network

On Thursday, 30 December 2004, the first 10 Gbps fibre-optic route using DWDM (Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing) was put into operation between Prague and Brno in the CESNET2 research and education network. This is an important step in the development of the optical transport network towards the trend of providing several logically independent networks (separated at the first or second layer) on a single fibre-optic infrastructure. An advantage of this approach is that intensive and potentially aggressive applications (i.e., grid related) may be served without interrupting or even affecting the service provided to traditional applications.

The optical transport layer will allow not only extending IP network transmission capacities to 10 Gbps but, above all, providing services at the level of optical paths (Lambda services) for research activities and connected subscribers on the national as well as international scale. The deployed DWDM technology, manufactured by Cisco Systems and delivered by Intercom Systems, a. s., allows operating several optical channels on a leased fibre. In future stages, it will offer integration with the current IP network and transition to an IP optical backbone network, including the deployment of optical switches for dynamic switching of optical transport routes. The DWDM system includes two DWDM terminals with tuneable 10GE transponders and three active elements to amplify and compensate dispersion along the optical route.

The DWDM route between Prague and Brno is a basis for further development of the optical transport layer as well as for upgrading the backbone network, CESNET2, to 10 Gbps, including the deployment of new routers that support not only 10GE but also other new features (such as IPv6 multicast).

The CESNET association operating the CESNET2 research network is planning on extending the DWDM transport system with other segments, aiming at completing the main backbone optical ring of Prague–Brno–Olomouc–Hradec Králové–Prague using the promising ROADM (Reconfigurable Add/Drop Multiplexer) technology. The development of the optical transport layer also includes preparation for interconnecting with GÉANT2, the European research network, at this level. The GÉANT2 network should be put into operation in Q3 2005.

The CESNET association was founded by Czech universities and the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic to operate a national scientific and research network. It is funded by the Government Council for Science and Research and by its members. Today it operates the national CESNET2 gigabit network and cooperates with Canada, the Netherlands and the U.S.A. in building the Global Lambda Integrated Facility (GLIF) network. With its research activities in the field of telecommunication and Internet technologies, CESNET is the Czech Republic's representative in the European GÉANT project and actively participates in its implementation.