AT&T successfully completed trial testing 400 gigabit Ethernet data speeds

AT&T successfully completed the first of a multi-phase trial testing 400 gigabit Ethernet data speeds.

In the field trial, the carrier established a 400GbE connection between New York and Washington, D.C. This proved the AT&T nationwide software-centric network is ready for next-generation speeds.

400GbE end-to-end service was transported across the network, which was carrying live traffic. A software-defined network (SDN) controller created a service along the direct path between the two cities, and through software control rerouted the service to a second path to simulate a response to a network failure.

Late last year, AT&T announced its ambition to be the first in the industry to demonstrate 400GbE service across its production network, aligning with the shift toward a software-centric network.

Traffic on the AT&T network continues to grow. 400GbE speeds will allow the business customers to transport massive amounts of data faster than ever. That also means faster uploads and downloads and ultra-fast video streaming.

Phase 3 will test the first instance of a 400GbE open router platform. The “disaggregated router” platform uses merchant silicon and open source software – another industry first.