ROME -- ADVA Optical Networking today announced that FASTWEB S.p.A. has deployed the Fiber Service Platform (FSP) 2000 and FSP 3000 from ADVA to help build one of the world's most innovative networks. FASTWEB offers a range of industry-leading services - including "triple play" solutions that interweave telephony, Internet access and an advanced video portfolio - over a fiber-optic, all-Internet Protocol (IP) network that now reaches more than 794,000 business and residential customers across Italy.

Partnering with Siemens, ADVA began working with FASTWEB in 2000, deploying a Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) metropolitan ring in Milan to support dedicated Gigabit Ethernet video connectivity across FASTWEB's network. FASTWEB expanded its network with the deployment of ADVA's FSP 2000 and FSP 3000 to support dedicated connections to its customers and backhaul traffic in its regional transport network, along fiber links of up to 145 kilometers. ADVA's solutions allow FASTWEB to support multiple interfaces including Synchronous Digital Hierarchy (SDH) and Ethernet/ IP at data rates from 10Mbit/s to 10Gbit/s.

The FASTWEB network extends Internet access to residential users at significantly faster speeds than traditional telephone lines. It combines high-quality video and audio with text and traditional images while keeping telephone lines free for voice calls. Importantly, FASTWEB is the first European operator to provide a TV-on-demand service so that families can watch programs when they wish, without having to follow the broadcasting schedules of traditional channels. Using a special device with keyboard and infrared remote control, the viewer accesses the network directly from the television set, choosing from a constantly-expanding library of films, TV news, sports, cartoons, music videos and more.

"It is critical for competitive carriers to offer differentiated services that create a compelling service offering for the end user," stated Mario Mella, customer operations & technology planning director for FASTWEB. "ADVA and Siemens offer us innovative, high-quality systems upon which we are building a flexible, scalable network that has allowed us to add new channels and features without affecting existing traffic or changing equipment. We looked at many providers, but none could match the strong service offering, rich feature set and ease of use that ADVA and Siemens offer."

ADVA Optical Networking