Cable ISP @Home Networks has signed a 10-year agreement with AT&T to create a nationwide IP network using AT&T's Dense Wave Division Multiplexing (DWDM) backbone.
The new backbone, scheduled to be ready by the middle of the year, will be connected to @Home's existing cable-based network. Also, the backbone will increase @Home's network capacity by 100 times, the companies said in a statement announcing the deal late last night. The newfound capacity will allow the company to support up to 5 million broadband users.
The agreement will also give @Home Network the ability to develop IP-based services and enhance its multimedia programming capabilities, including streaming video and audio, the companies said. With the aid of the new backbone, @Home Network will be able to more efficiently interconnect and exchange traffic with other large carriers.
By connecting IP routers and switches directly to AT&T's DWDM infrastructure, @Home Network will achieve superior performance at lower costs than with architectures using SONET add-drop multiplexors and ATM switches, @Home said.
DWDM increases capacity by transmitting multiple signals through single-fiber cables, using multiple wavelengths, or colors of light. The DWDM switches then use lasers to divide incoming data back into separate optical wavelengths, or lightstreams.
AT&T was awarded the contract despite some competitive bidding from other next-generation network providers, the companies said.
RELATED LINKS
Network World, 6/15/98
AT&T looking to spend cash on cable
Network World, 2/10/98
AT&T financial and stock news
Network World Fusion
Apply for your free subscription to Network World. Click here. Or get Network World delivered in PDF each week.
Request a reprint or permission to use this article.
