NEW YORK -- Continuing to build on its strong history in 100G technology, Verizon has completed another technology milestone by proving that 100G traffic can be successfully carried over Verizon's regional Ethernet network between two 100G network interface devices while maintaining carrier-grade performance.

A network interface device, known as a NID, is typically located at a customer's premises to connect it to the service provider's network.

Using the Canoga Perkins 9145E100G CloudBusterTM, the industry's first 100G Ethernet NID, the trial consisted of transmitting 100G traffic for 4.6 miles (7.4 km) over the Verizon regional switched Ethernet services network in the Dallas area. Splice Communications, a Verizon Global Wholesale customer, provided connectivity to CyrusOne, a global data center provider that served as the end user in the trial.

"This accomplishment, which we believe is an industry first, is a significant step forward along the evolution of 100G technology in preparation for the day when demand for higher network speed and capacities outgrows current technologies," said Guru Pai, chief product officer and senior vice president of corporate technology. "Having 100G network access will be important for businesses that operate data centers and for mobile backhaul and other service applications.

"And while the pace of advancement is important, we're equally focused on performance – and this trial proves we can carry 100G traffic to customer premises while maintaining the level of quality they demand," Pai said.

Performance results for key metrics were well above industry standards for Ethernet virtual connections. The metrics consisted of frame delay, the amount of time it takes for an Ethernet frame – a unit of packetized, formatted information – to reach its destination; delay variation, how much the delay varies from frame to frame; and throughput, the amount of data successfully delivered.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE: VZ)