Comcast, Cisco Test 100-Gig

PHILADELPHIA -- Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSK, CMCSA), the nation’s leading provider of entertainment, information and communications products and services, today announced it has successfully completed a 100 Gigabit Ethernet (GE) technology test over its existing backbone infrastructure between Philadelphia and McLean, VA using the industry’s first 100GE router interface developed for the Cisco CRS-1 routing system. This demonstration is another example of Comcast’s commitment to technology that supports the rapid growth of new applications and services.

The Cisco CRS-1 100GE interface uses Comcast’s existing optical infrastructure to enable transmission of 100GE over DWDM fiber optic networks. Utilizing this type of technology will enable companies, like Comcast, to increase bandwidth per wavelength by a factor of 10 over the initial deployed capability. It also creates efficiencies by simplifying routing and operations through the use of statistically multiplexed 100GE links, in comparison to carrying the same amount of traffic split over more commonly used 10GE links.

“This demonstration is another important step in the future of 100GE networking and we’re pleased with Cisco’s latest advancements,” said John Schanz, Executive Vice President of National Engineering and Technical Operations for Comcast Cable. “Comcast’s single converged core IP network already carries more video, voice, and data traffic than any other, and this new achievement will allow us to scale for tomorrow, while continuing to drive capital and operational efficiencies today.”

Comcast Corp. (Nasdaq: CMCSA, CMCSK)