Long-haul transparent network architectures and applications

The last two years have introduced unprecedented technology choice to long-haul transport service providers. Varying solutions include a big tool box: different DWDM channel capacities, channel counts, channel or system reach, amplification strategies, dispersion mitigation, grooming strategies, optical transparency options, and more. As a consequence, carriers have choice in terms of both breadth and depth of solution. This is fortunate because different carriers often have drastically different requirements. However, realizing what technology mix best serves a particular carrier is not a trivial task. This paper provides a brief overview of some of the lessons Qwest has learned in its journey to understand next generation transport networks.