Airtel upgrades packet transport network with Ribbon's 5G-Native Neptune systems
Ribbon Communications Inc. (NASDAQ:RBBN) says it will supply its 5G-Native Neptune packet transport platform Indian service provider Bharti Airtel. Airtel will use the Neptune systems as part of an overall strategy to enhance its mobile backhaul transport capabilities to prepare the way for 5G services provision.
Ribbon added the Neptune to its portfolio as part of its merger with ECI Telecom (see “Ribbon Communications to acquire ECI Telecom”). Airtel is a longstanding customer of ECI and has deployed previous versions of the Neptune to support its mobile services (see, for example, “Bharti Airtel taps ECI for mobile backhaul”).
"Ribbon has been a trusted partner since 2004, and their proven track record gives us confidence that they will successfully manage this upgrade. This compact, robust IP/MPLS-Access solution from Ribbon will both serve our current needs and make the Airtel network 5G ready," commented Randeep Sekhon, CTO, Bharti Airtel.
In addition to the Neptune systems, Airtel also will leverage Ribbon’s cloud-native Muse network planning and provisioning system, which is already in use in the service provider’s network. The Muse Domain Orchestration capabilities will enable end-to-end automated service fulfillment and assurance as well as automated migration from the existing network to the modernized one, Ribbon states.
"5G will unleash a significant array of new applications and services that users around the world will benefit from," said Bruce McClelland, CEO of Ribbon Communications. "We are honored to have been selected by Bharti Airtel for this critical upgrade and look forward to further expanding our relationship while supporting their pioneering vision for the future."
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Stephen Hardy | Editorial Director and Associate Publisher, Lightwave
Stephen Hardy is editorial director and associate publisher of Lightwave and Broadband Technology Report, part of the Lighting & Technology Group at Endeavor Business Media. Stephen is responsible for establishing and executing editorial strategy across the both brands’ websites, email newsletters, events, and other information products. He has covered the fiber-optics space for more than 20 years, and communications and technology for more than 35 years. During his tenure, Lightwave has received awards from Folio: and the American Society of Business Press Editors (ASBPE) for editorial excellence. Prior to joining Lightwave in 1997, Stephen worked for Telecommunications magazine and the Journal of Electronic Defense.
Stephen has moderated panels at numerous events, including the Optica Executive Forum, ECOC, and SCTE Cable-Tec Expo. He also is program director for the Lightwave Innovation Reviews and the Diamond Technology Reviews.
He has written numerous articles in all aspects of optical communications and fiber-optic networks, including fiber to the home (FTTH), PON, optical components, DWDM, fiber cables, packet optical transport, optical transceivers, lasers, fiber optic testing, and more.
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