- Dual Path uses separate infrastructure for the two different wavelengths
- And Lumen engineers and validates separation across the entire design
- Lumen is also using AI and automation to insert more resiliency into its networks
Lumen is launching Dual Path, a new service that provides two independently routed wavelengths between the same locations, both active at full bandwidth and backed by a 99.99% availability SLA. Lumen documents the physically separate, non-overlapping routes before service begins, and it continues monitoring them as the network evolves.
Dual Path uses separate infrastructure, including different conduits and different routes.
Fierce asked if this is really something new because customers could always purchase two separate wavelength services if they wanted. A Lumen spokesperson said, “With Dual Path, Lumen engineers and validates separation across the entire design, including the physical routes, building entrances, gateway facilities, shelves and optical cards. So instead of customers simply buying two connections and assuming they’re diverse, Dual Path is designed to give them diversity that has been engineered and verified.”
The cost reflects two wavelength services.
In addition to the redundancy, businesses benefit from having access to Lumen’s 340,000 route miles of fiber infrastructure without having to manage multiple carriers.
According to the independent research firm AlphaSense, Lumen offers three or more optical paths across eight of the 10 leading AI infrastructure markets.
Other Lumen redundancy services
Lumen’s Service Assurance framework is built around three principles: avoid it breaking; fix it fast; and communicate effectively.
Its AI and automation technology analyzes network conditions and external risks, from weather to construction activity. More than 380 automated workflows run roughly 5 million times each year, with machine-to-machine intelligence that anticipates and resolves 80% of issues, often before they impact customers.
If something does break, GenAI service diagnostics resolve the issue or identify the cause in real time. AskGreg, Lumen’s multi-agent assistant, provides engineers with fast access to service history, network information and recommended next actions.
In order to communicate effectively, Lumen’s AI-powered customer operations assistant NORA provides email access to real-time diagnostics, planned maintenance information, repair history and ticket support. During network events, customers receive proactive communication throughout restoration.
“AI is changing what businesses need from their networks. Resilience can’t be assumed, it must be engineered, continuously operated, constantly improved,” said Kye Prigg, chief operations officer for Lumen. “We're combining the strength of our physical network, AI-powered operations, and the expertise of our teams to identify and reduce potential single points of failure and keep critical connections running."
Read more about Lumen on Fierce Network:
Opinion: Lumen is behaving nothing like a carrier
AI is breaking bandwidth forecasts. Lumen wants enterprises to scale internet on demand
Lumen expands multi-cloud gateway outside its fiber footprint