EarthLink operates an extensive network spanning 28,800 route fiber miles with 90 metro fiber rings and four secure data centers, provides ubiquitous IP coverage across more than 90 percent of the country, but obviously wants more for its customers.

Planning to give them increased options and high speed transmission of data, it intends to extend the Atlanta-based EarthLink’s network reach to cover the Memphis-to-Chicago long-haul fiber route.

The long-haul fiber route, which provides a redundant connection point between the Northeast and Southeast fiber networks, is expected by the end of 2012.

"EarthLink is very excited about the increased options, speed and reliability these network expansions will mean for our customers," said Jim O'Brien, executive vice president of infrastructure engineering & operations for EarthLink.

Essentially a Wave/SONET- enabled OC-192 ring on the 10 Gigabit backbone, The Memphis, TN metro fiber ring, which is a circular group of specifically designed optic cables, is expected to allow the transmission of data over short distances at very high speeds and is slated to be completed by early 2013.

Hence, EarthLink will now have a greater reach into the Memphis market and will also have access to the metro and cellular carriers in the city.

EarthLink, Inc., an IT services and communications provider, recently announced that its complete hosted voice and EarthLink Complete MPLS solutions have been recognized with Communications Solutions Product of the Year Award by TMC (News - Alert), a global, integrated media company. Moreover, EarthLink's nationwide, private, blended-access MPLS network for a 2012 Next Generation Networks Leadership Award by INTERNET TELEPHONY and Next Gen Mobility magazines.