PARIS -- As communications service providers face the increasing challenge of a network capacity crunch due to the demands of smartphone ownership and growing video traffic, Alcatel-Lucent (Euronext Paris and NYSE: ALU) is introducing the Photonic Service Engine (PSE), a new chip for fiber optic networks that offers double the capacity, and four times the speed of today’s networks.

Built on innovations from Bell Labs, the Alcatel-Lucent Photonic Service Engine supports 400 gigabit per second (400G) data transmission speeds on optical networks.

The unabated growth of broadband, mobile data and cloud-based services has presented a major challenge for service providers that need to find ways to keep costs in check while dramatically expanding the capacity of their networks. The Photonic Service Engine will bring substantial improvements to 100G coherent optical networks, which are being deployed by operators today. The PSE also lays the foundation for the smooth migration to 400G networks in future.

“Speed is a factor for all service providers today: the speed of the network and the speed with which new services can be brought to market,” said Mr. Keiichi Makizono, Corporate Officer, Deputy Unit Head, Technology Unit & Division Head, Network Division, SOFTBANK TELECOM in Japan. “With millions of people looking to us to access the full range of online content, we see Alcatel-Lucent’s 400G innovation as the gateway to a long, successful future.”

Alcatel-Lucent (NYSE: ALU)