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Aire Networks boosts single-fibre infrastructure with Infinera's ICE-X solution
Tue, 9th Apr 2024

Aire Networks, a subsidiary of Grupo Aire, has unveiled plans to increase the capacity of its single-fibre network infrastructure across Spain and Portugal, using Infinera's software-programmable ICE-X coherent pluggable solution. The deployment of this intelligent solution signifies Aire Networks' commitment to meeting the surging bandwidth demands of its customers while sustaining its cost-effective single-fibre infrastructure.

Operating in Spain and Portugal with a network covering 33,000 kilometres and 90% of the territory, Aire Networks is a wholesale telecommunications operator known for offering a wide range of solutions. These finesse solutions encompass connectivity, voice, media, mobile virtual network enabler (MVNE), cloud, and data centre solutions, all targeted towards enterprise customers and local and regional operators around the nation.

Infinera's ICE-X solution stands out in its ability to transmit up to 200 Gb/s bidirectionally per wavelength, making use of digital subcarrier technology, all on a single fibre in a compact and power-efficient pluggable form factor. Support for 64 wavelengths per fibre results in a capacity of 12.8 Tb/s on each fibre. This notable capacity surge allows Aire Networks to deliver an enhanced number of services. Infinera has joined forces with APFutura for the design and deployment of the solution.

Zigor Gaubeca, CTO at Aire Networks, elaborated on the deployment of the innovative technology. He stated, "Aire Networks is committed to providing our customers with the best connectivity available by utilising cutting-edge industry solutions and innovations. Leveraging innovative technology like Infinera's ICE-X enables us to meet the needs of our customers, providing efficient, high-quality services that can scale to meet our customers' demand."

Commending the partnership with Infinera, Jordi Ros, CTO at APFutura, said, "Partnering with Infinera to design and deploy these types of innovative solutions brings significant value to network operators like Aire Networks. Infinera's next-generation ICE-X coherent pluggables offer an industry-leading solution that sets Infinera apart from competitors, enabling our end-user customers to benefit from more efficient networks and deliver new high-speed services."

The partnership with APFutura and the deployment of Infinera's solution by Aire Networks has been favourably received by Infinera. Lorraine Twigg, Global VP of Channel Partners, Infinera, expressed satisfaction: "Infinera is pleased to collaborate with APFutura in providing an innovative solution to Aire Networks that enabled them to meet their network objectives. This achievement underscores how network operators can leverage Infinera's unique solutions to improve connectivity and infrastructure across the globe and the critical role our partners play in delivering open optical networking."

The collaboration between Aire Networks, Infinera, and APFutura signifies a pragmatic step towards addressing the increasing bandwidth demands in the telecommunications sector of Spain and Portugal. By implementing Infinera's ICE-X coherent pluggable solution, Aire Networks aims to enhance its infrastructure's capacity and efficiency without compromising cost-effectiveness.

This partnership reflects a practical approach to meeting customer needs and leveraging innovative technology to improve network performance. It underscores the importance of strategic alliances in driving progress within the telecommunications industry.