Telefonica picks Cisco routers for global network upgrade

Cisco says Telefonica Global Solutions, part of the Telefonica Group, has selected Cisco for its enhanced Internet Protocol next-generation network (IP NGN). Telefonica's network connects more than 100 locations in more than 60 cities and 40 countries, including the main cities of Europe, Latin America, the United States, and Asia.

The upgraded network will support new and future revenue-generating services and help ensure that Telefonica has the capacity to meet the needs of its global customer base. Integral to supporting this Internet growth will be the deployment of the IPv6-compliant Cisco CRS-3 and ASR 9000 Series routers for enhanced capacity, high resiliency, and robust IPv6 support, according to Cisco.

Cisco says the CRS offers the possibility of future upgrading capacity for its core network with up to 400-Gbps-per-slot capability, high resiliency, and a cost-effective intelligent core solution to improve the return on investment for its core network. Cisco's new elastic core capabilities make it possible to seamlessly add a second chassis without the space and cost of a separate fabric chassis (see “Cisco tackles 100-Gbps IP/optical convergence with nLight and elastic core”).

Both the Cisco CRS and ASR 9000 Series use the modular Cisco IOS XR software operating system, which is designed to simplify network operations and enable comprehensive system redundancy and network resiliency.

Alejandro Martínez, VP of Telefonica Global Solutions, Global Network and Platforms said, "Telefonica is committed to using the most innovative technology for all its services and products. As a global company with a network spanning Asia, Europe, and the Americas we're committed to leading the world in high speed infrastructure that will ultimately give our customers more choice, flexibility and innovation. This network expansion helps ensure that Telefonica can meet that commitment."