Telecom operator AT&T on Monday announced that it has completed the first of a multi-phase trial testing 400 gigabit Ethernet data speeds – for quadrupling network speeds for businesses.

AT&T established a 400GbE connection between New York and Washington, D.C. during the field trial ensuring a ready software-centric network for next-generation speeds.

400GbE service was transported across the network, carrying live traffic. A software-defined network (SDN) controller created a service along the direct path between the two cities, and through software control rerouted the service to a second path to simulate a response to a network failure.

AT&T, late last year, announced its intention to become the first telecom operator in the industry to demonstrate 400GbE service across production network, aligning with its shift in strategy toward a software-centric network.

400GbE speeds will allow our business customers to transport massive amounts of data faster than ever. That also means faster uploads and downloads and ultra-fast video streaming.

“Our approach to roll out the next generation of Ethernet speeds is working. We continue to see enormous data growth on our network, fueled by video. And this will help with that growth,” said Rick Hubbard, senior vice president, AT&T Network Product Management.

400GbE service transported across the AT&T OpenROADM metro network to the customer will show the network is ready for 400GbE to serve customers in metro areas.

Phase 3 will test the first instance of a 400GbE open router platform. The disaggregated router platform uses merchant silicon and open source software.