Ericsson is aiming to address the growing need for high bandwidth data links in network infrastructure with the introduction of a packet data comms system using optical transmission technology.  

The proposed introduction of IPTV and business broadband services is pushing the data-handling requirements of networks switches to the limit.

Ericsson’s carrier-class product, SPT 2700 offers data packet links via a 320Gbyte packet switch, which is scalable to 800Gbyte.

This is expected to move the data-handling capacity of future networks beyond current generation Ethernet technology. In October Ericsson demonstrated 100GbE transport technology.

Upgrade from existing network infrastructure is important for the introduction of optical systems so the SPT 2700 will support transport of legacy TDM traffic via a 120Gbyte SDH switch and optical scalability via integrated OTN switch and DWDM ROADM/WSS (Wavelength Selective Switch).

“SPT 2700 is a perfect complement to our existing optical transport and Redback portfolio,” said Andrea Spaccapietra, head of broadband networks at Ericsson.

The product will be commercially available from Q1 2009.