Aqua Comms Announces Trans-Atlantic Subsea Spectrum Agreement with Energy Sciences Network
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The long-term lease agreement between Aqua Comms and ESnet for a portion of Trans-Atlantic subsea spectrum signifies a strategic move to support the escalating data transfer needs of scientific research communities. The commitment to a 15-year lease for a quarter-fibre-pair, delivering a dedicated 5 Tbps data pipe, reflects a trend towards securing robust data infrastructure capable of handling significant increases in data volumes, particularly with the anticipated demands from CERN's Large Hadron Collider upgrade.
This development is particularly relevant in the context of the growing 'big data' requirements in scientific research, where the ability to transfer large datasets quickly and reliably is critical. The use of Ciena's GeoMesh Extreme submarine network solution, equipped with WaveLogic 5 Extreme coherent optics and advanced software capabilities, positions Aqua Comms to offer high-capacity, efficient connectivity solutions that are essential for scientific advancements and collaboration on a global scale.
From an industry standpoint, the adoption of subsea spectrum leasing as a cost-effective alternative to dark fibre acquisition indicates a shift towards more flexible and scalable network solutions. This is especially pertinent for operators who require continent-to-continent connectivity but find traditional 400G wavelengths insufficient for their needs.
The financial implications of this agreement are multifaceted. For Aqua Comms, securing a long-term revenue stream from ESnet enhances financial stability and predictability. It also demonstrates the company's ability to attract high-profile clients such as the U.S. Department of Energy, potentially improving investor confidence in Aqua Comms' market position and growth prospects.
For ESnet, the investment in subsea spectrum aligns with the need for a future-proof network infrastructure that can scale with the exponential growth of data. This long-term strategic asset will likely contribute to more efficient research processes, potentially accelerating scientific discoveries and their subsequent economic and societal benefits.
The involvement of Ciena, a publicly traded company, in providing the technology for this project could reflect positively on its stock valuation, as it showcases Ciena's capabilities in high-demand areas of subsea connectivity and network automation. Investors may view such strategic collaborations as indicators of Ciena's competitive edge and potential for future growth.
The partnership between Aqua Comms and ESnet underscores a key trend in the telecommunications industry: the growing importance of subsea networks in global data transmission. As scientific research generates increasingly large datasets, the demand for high-bandwidth, transcontinental network infrastructure is expected to rise.
The choice of Ciena's GeoMesh Extreme solution by Aqua Comms reflects the market's demand for advanced technologies that can deliver high-speed, reliable connectivity. This choice also highlights the competitive landscape of subsea network providers, where innovation and technological capability are critical differentiators.
Furthermore, the trend of leasing subsea spectrum as opposed to outright ownership of dark fibre suggests a market evolution towards more flexible and cost-efficient network management solutions. This could influence the strategies of other players in the industry, potentially leading to increased competition and innovation in the subsea connectivity market.
ESnet serves as the DOE research community’s “data circulatory system,” providing services to tens of thousands of scientific researchers throughout the entire national laboratory system, its supercomputing facilities, and its major scientific instruments, as well as peering with more than 270 research and commercial networks worldwide. Secured for 15 years, this quarter-fibre-pair will provide a dedicated 5 Tbps data pipe that will be a foundational element of ESnet’s long-term trans-Atlantic strategy to accommodate rapid increases in data traffic from DOE science collaborations and facilities, including ramping up for the high luminosity upgrade of CERN’s Large Hadron Collider.
“Scientific research has entered the exascale era, and researchers need to be able to rapidly, seamlessly, and reliably move vast quantities of data from instruments to high-performance computing facilities to their human collaborators all over the world — and back again,” said ESnet Executive Director Inder Monga. “ESnet is committed to continuing to build a robust, redundant network ready to serve the Department of Energy’s research ecosystem now and for the long-term future.”
Jim Fagan, CEO at Aqua Comms, said, “Subsea Spectrum offers the scalability and control of dark fibre at a fraction of the cost allowing customers to plan for their long-term network needs. By working with Aqua Comms, ESNet can be confident in our expertise and leading global subsea engineering services as we continue to demonstrate that we are at the forefront of the technology supporting the needs of our customers with high-bandwidth, efficient network services.”
The Aqua Comms network is leveraging Ciena's (NYSE: CIEN) GeoMesh Extreme submarine network solution, powered by WaveLogic 5 Extreme coherent optics and Manage, Control and Plan (MCP) advanced software capabilities, to support customers’ ever-growing connectivity and bandwidth needs. Additionally, Ciena Services is providing submarine-specific automation for installation, spectrum activation, and testing for time savings and improved optimization, as well as SLTE technical support to ensure optimal network reliability.
“When 400G wavelengths are not sufficient for growing demands, operators are turning to subsea spectrum to fulfill their scalable, continent-to-continent requirements,” commented Thomas Soerensen, Vice President, Global Submarine Solutions, Ciena.“With Ciena’s best-in-class GeoMesh Extreme solution, Aqua Comms’ network has the high bandwidth, intelligence, and cost efficiency to meet the unique connectivity needs of big science.”
To learn more about Aqua Comms visit: www.aquacomms.com
About Aqua Comms
Aqua Comms is a leading provider of global subsea connectivity services delivered through an extensive portfolio of owned and operated subsea systems. Aqua Comms offers connectivity networking solutions including managed capacity services, spectrum and dark fibre to the global content, cloud and carrier markets.
To learn more about Aqua Comms and its portfolio of connectivity networking solutions visit www.aquacomms.com.
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Source: Aqua Comms
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