For Verizon, wireless has always been about trying to have the best network. It recently made several announcements that bolster that commitment in terms of fiber optics. The carrier said it’s connected 48 percent of its cell sites with its own deployed fiber optic cable and is on-track to reach about 50 percent by the end of this year. The MNO is also significantly increasing its fiber capacity, replacing its older routers in its core with new equipment, capable of utilizing the latest 400 Gbps per port optical technology.
“If networks are the oxygen of the digital era, fiber optic cables would be its central nervous system,” Verizon said. “Fiber networks play a largely unseen, but essential role in connectivity, enabling ultra-high capacity, speed and low latency data transfer for 4G LTE and 5G networks.”
When the overhaul of the fiber core network is complete, Verizon will be able to manage 115 terabits per second of data. This equipment will be upgradeable to 230 Tbps in the coming years, providing scalability and increased reliability. This upgrade will significantly increase the bandwidth to support wireless, home internet, enterprise, small business and FiOS customers.
“This new packet core will provide the reliability and capacity we need today, but more importantly will be able to scale to meet the forecasted future demands that will result from the incredible capabilities of our robust 5G network, the platform for 21st century innovation,” said Kyle Malady, Verizon Executive Vice President, President Global Networks & Technology.
By J. Sharpe Smith, Inside Towers Technology Editor
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