Gulf Bridge International (GBI), the Middle East’s first carrier neutral regional network, and Xtera Communications, a leading global provider of optical networking solutions, have launched what is believed to be the first commercial repeatered submarine cable system in service with 100G technology.

Xtera deployed its multi-purpose Nu-Wave Optima platform in a Submarine Line Terminal Equipment (SLTE) configuration delivering 100G waves on a fiber pair in the Mediterranean Sea on the network connecting Egypt to Italy, a statement said.

The Mediterranean has its first 100G submarine cable with GBI offering routes from Europe to the Middle East and on to Asia. GBI is counting on the most advanced optical networking technology developments to deliver new services to the Middle East and beyond.

The 100G line transmission rate deployment, which was announced six months ago will play a key role in GBI’s service delivery strategy, it said.

“We are pleased to be working with Xtera to achieve this landmark 100G deployment in the Mediterranean,” commented Ahmed Mekky, board member and CEO of GBI. ”Today’s announcement reflects our ongoing commitment to be the region’s most advanced subsea cable operator and to ensure that our customers benefit from the latest technological advancements.”

Xtera’s Nu-Wave Optima platform is a unique modular optical transport system designed to lower the total cost of ownership by using a common, integrated set of modules for long-haul, unrepeatered and regional repeatered submarine applications. The Nu-Wave Optima configuration for regional repeatered submarine cable system includes a line monitoring module used for the supervision of the submerged repeaters.  - TradeArabia News Service