Telecom carrier Colt is modernizing its worldwide IQ Network by deploying Cisco 8000 hardware, together with 400G OpenZR+ pluggable coherent technology and Segment Routing MPLS throughout their network.
With 400G capacity, Colt can more easily deliver enhanced high bandwidth and software-defined connection to its clients all around the world. Colt says it is leading the industry in the trial and implementation of Acacia’s 400G OpenZR+ technology for long-haul inter-metro connections that are greater than 200KM.
These network enhancements are planned to be available to Colt customers in September 2021.
“Colt is committed to ensuring its network is at the forefront of technological innovation, and this latest investment is the next step in our network optimization strategy, as we continue to leverage next- generation optical and packet technologies,” said Vivek Gaur, Vice President Network Engineering at Colt. “Over the last couple of years, Colt and Cisco have built a strategic relationship centered on innovation, and we’re excited to continue to push boundaries for our customers and the industry. We know the requirement for ultra-high bandwidth services is increasing. With Cisco’s technology in specific layers of our network, we’ll have a scalable and efficient packet core network that fulfils the connectivity demands of our customers across the globe.”
Colt’s IQ Network
The IQ Network was introduced by Colt in 2016, including a comprehensive investment program, testing, and implementation of cutting-edge technology. With over 29,000 on-net buildings and increasing, the IQ Network now links over 900 data centers spanning Europe, Asia, and North America’s main corporate hubs.
Colt has been collaborating with Cisco to optimize and evolve the IQ Network from 100G to 400G since 2019. This is to ensure that Colt can meet the exponential growth in demand for high-bandwidth services from its clients while also being poised to enable global digital changes.
Data Center Interconnects
Cisco’s 8000 hardware, in combination with Acacia’s 400G OpenZR+ pluggable coherent optic, converges IP and optical networking layers for a more simple and scalable architecture that saves money and space in data centers and colocations. Software features in Segment Routing MPLS would significantly simplify the network and give fine-grained management for meeting rigorous SLAs.
“The Internet is now an integral part of critical national infrastructure and must be continually reimagined to help transform the way we live,” said Adam MacHale, Vice President of EMEAR Service Provider at Cisco. “Colt is helping accelerate this as one of the first network providers to leverage the full capability of 400G OpenZR+ coherent pluggable optics in data center interconnect for metro and long-haul applications. We look forward to continuing our exciting journey together with Colt and unleashing the full power of Routed Optical Networking technologies.”
