Transmode systems enhance LINX's interconnectivity

The London Internet Exchange (LINX), an internet exchange, has improved its interconnectivity by installing systems from Transmode, a provider of optical networking solutions.

Transmode TM-3000 units have been installed at four of LINX's London exchange sites to enable new high-speed WDM services that will help reduce the traffic pressure on LINX's network.

The Transmode interfaces are flexible and can be adapted to accommodate new member nodes as the internet exchange business increases.

LINX is a mutual, not-for-profit organisation whose 330 members include almost all of the UK's internet service providers (ISPs) and network operators, along with many others from around the world.

It was formed in 1994 when five ISPs recognised that there were considerable operational benefits to exchanging traffic between their networks at the same tele-hotel where they all had facilities.

LINX has a network of 10 sites around London - seven in London's Docklands, one in the City of London and two in West London - where it hosts a number of large Ethernet switches.

When Transmode started discussions with LINX, the organisation was considering the installation of a WDM solution in the London network to enable it to cope with the demand for increased capacity.

The decision was made to install an initial four Transmode TM-3000 units to support its highest traffic members that needed to pass through the exchange at rates up to and beyond 10Gbit/s.

The Transmode equipment installation was completed and then activated by early June 2009 using cost-efficient 10Gbit/s WDM technology.

Mark Burton, Transmode's UK sales director, said: 'Prior to the installation, Transmode provided a demonstrator at three key sites offering both 10G and Gigabit Ethernet services.

'Over the trial period, LINX performed comprehensive testing to observe how Transmode's systems functioned.

'LINX is very much focused on Ethernet over dark fibre so transport was a familiar domain to them,' he added.

Mike Hughes, LINX's chief technical officer, said: 'We needed a way to handle the increasingly large traffic flows members pass between LINX sites.

'With some of these requiring multiple 10Gbit/s links, it was clear that offering an alternative to our Ethernet platform would benefit the exchange and our members.

'Following the installation of the Transmode equipment, LINX will be able to offer an extended range of services.

'The WDM approach will meet our members' requirement for increased capacity and flexibility,' he added.

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