MCI Worldcom has announced
that it is upgrading its UUNET
network in Europe by deploying
Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS)
technology.
The upgrade to UUNET will increase its bandwidth and capacity up to 16
times the current levels between key European cities, with the initial
phase being completed in the third quarter of 1999. Upgraded links
between additional cities will be added in the fourth quarter.
“Demand for higher speed and higher capacity Internet technologies has
skyrocketed throughout the world in the last year,” said Mark Spagnolo,
president and CEO of UUNET.
“This announcement demonstrates our global commitment to deploy the
technologies that will significantly impact the evolution of the
Internet and meet the growing needs of our customers throughout the
world.”
The use of MPLS will support an easy migration path to optical
internetworking, says UUNET, which plans ultimately to increase its
network to 10 gigabits per second (OC-192c, or STM-64)
speeds and higher.
Eight circuits in London, Frankfurt and Amsterdam are currently
being upgraded, with completion scheduled for September.
STM-16 and MPLS technology will be deployed in Paris and Brussels
in the fourth quarter.
UUNET has featured prominently in UK news recently with the
launch of services for Manchester
United
Football Club, and, this week, the launch of the ISP for
Hemmington Scott.
