Infrabel deploys Europe’s first 64G Fibre Channel over WDM solution with Adtran’s S-Flex™

News summary:

• Belgian rail infrastructure manager required major network capacity boost to meet the growing data demands of modern operations
• FSP 3000 S-Flex™ is the first and only solution capable of native 64GFC transmission over WDM for highly reliable DCI transport
• Arcadiz provided comprehensive engineering and installation services, along with ongoing 24/7 onsite maintenance

Adtran and Arcadiz today announced that Infrabel, Belgium's national railway infrastructure company, has deployed the FSP 3000 S-Flex™ to boost the capacity of its storage network. Providing native 64Gbit/s Fibre Channel (64GFC) transmission over WDM, the technology ensures reliable, scalable connectivity with significantly increased throughput for Belgium's critical railway operations. The new solution enables Infrabel to efficiently handle increasing data demands, boosting safety, efficiency and communication across Belgium's rail network. Arcadiz's service approach, from engineering and installation to 24/7 support, has been instrumental in delivering the high-capacity, future-ready solution.

"This upgrade represents a major leap forward in our storage network capabilities, significantly boosting data throughput and reliability to meet the growing demands of modern railway operations. It equips our network to handle the complexities of today's digital landscape while providing a scalable infrastructure that connects data centers across multiple locations. This is key for supporting our advanced traffic control systems and enhancing safety, efficiency and communication throughout our rail network," said Alex Raviart, head of ICT networks at Infrabel. "Our strong collaboration with Adtran and Arcadiz has been essential in achieving this milestone; their shared commitment to innovation and comprehensive support has ensured a seamless transition."

Infrabel's deployment of 64GFC represents a major enhancement in their SAN connectivity, significantly improving operational efficiency and data management. At the heart of the solution is the Adtran FSP 3000 S-Flex™ optical terminal, which uniquely supports 16GFC, 32GFC and 64GFC over long distances, effectively linking Infrabel's geographically dispersed data centers. By utilizing trunking technology, the system combines multiple network interfaces, enhancing throughput and reliability to meet Infrabel's high-speed, resource-intensive requirements. Complementing these technologies, Arcadiz has delivered comprehensive engineering and installation services and will continue to provide support, ensuring uninterrupted service for Infrabel's network.

"Infrabel's network is essential for the efficient functioning of Belgium's railway infrastructure, which demands both high capacity and unwavering reliability. With its powerful 400Gbit/s WDM muxponder, our FSP 3000 S-Flex™ supports 64GFC and various Ethernet line rates, providing the flexibility needed for diverse network environments," commented Stuart Broome, GM of EMEA sales at Adtran. "Infrabel's new solution delivers ultra-high capacity and low latency, ensuring optimal performance to meet the growing demands of digital transformation. It also offers advanced security for SAN DCI requirements, including support for quantum-safe encryption technology to protect data in motion between data centers over the long term. Specifically engineered to maximize the potential of mission-critical infrastructure, the FSP 3000 S-Flex™ is elevating Infrabel's SAN connectivity to new heights."

"As the need for more SAN connectivity continues to rise in the railway industry, we're proud to have partnered with Infrabel and Adtran on this critical upgrade. At Arcadiz, as a leading network solutions provider, we deliver reliable and secure data center and cloud connectivity solutions, ensuring our customers have complete peace of mind," noted Marc Vandeputte, CTO of Arcadiz. "Our ability to deliver a temporary connectivity solution last year underscores our commitment to meeting immediate needs while working towards long-term improvements. This project reflects our dedication to excellence and our deep understanding of Infrabel's requirements, reinforcing our role as a trusted partner in their technological advancements."