AT&T To Revamp Backbone NetworkAT&T To Revamp Backbone Network

AT&T will upgrade its nationwide backbone network, used for all its voice, data, Internet, and video traffic, with intelligent optical-networking gear it says will improve provisioning times and service restoration. The multiyear project includes equipment from Ciena Corp. and Cisco Systems. At first, only new traffic will be carried on the upgraded part of the network; existing traffic will be migrated gradually. The eventual goal is to phase out older systems. AT&T estimates the upgrade will cut provisioning time from weeks or months to minutes or seconds, and will let it restore service in seconds.