NOVEC Solutions Inc., a technology affiliate of Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative, has developed and patented a data-transport process that leverages unused or “dark” fiber to essentially double a network’s bandwidth.

NS ONE-net® Dense Wave Division Multiplexing technology increases a network’s capacity by allowing data to travel back and forth on a single fiber. This lets a user send or receive the same amount of data along half the fiber capacity.

That means “greater bandwidth capacity downstream for end users at lower transport costs,” said Marvin Ward, principal network architect for NOVEC Solutions.

The technology is already deployed across NOVEC Solutions’ network.

Ward said the system saves service providers money because it means fewer switches, optical ports and circuit connections.

“Businesses that own or lease space on a fiber-optic network not only save money by needing just one fiber, they also save on network hardware and the space needed to house it,” said Ward, inventor of the technology.

He said clients using the components are reporting good performance and reliability along with cost savings for expansion and operation.

“The fact that [the technology] is ‘passive’ and does not require power is a big advantage from a reliability perspective,” said Ken Olson, network manager of Loudoun County, Virginia’s Department of Information Technology. “It is a game-changer.”

The county is using the technology to connect its public safety agencies, data centers, core sites and internet infrastructure. Olson said the county avoided costly expansions of its capacity because a single strand of fiber can handle load that once required numerous fiber pairs.

NOVEC Solutions has been providing high-capacity data transport service to enterprise customers across Northern Virginia for over 15 years.

“It was this legacy of experience that drove the discovery of NS ONE-net,” said Mike Dailey, NOVEC Solutions president.

The company is developing a commercialization strategy for the technology and its associated products.

“There’s potential for additional earnings or savings on existing fiber assets, and it lowers the installation costs due to a reduction in pairs required for new circuit installations,” said Ward, adding that cost reductions of as much as 50% are possible on new fiber buildouts.

“Cooperatives and other utilities can free up choke points across their regional fiber network by aggregating traffic through NS ONE-net without having to add expensive new capacity as demand for data intensifies in the future,” said Ward. “That gives providers in the utility business and other industries many opportunities to expand and open new markets with revenue streams by expanding and leasing extra fiber capacity.”

For more information on NS ONE-net, email Marvin Ward.