February 11, 2004 Rochester, NY -- Metro optical solutions provider American Fiber Systems (AFS) has reached an agreement with Nortel Networks that will enable AFS to deliver end-to-end Optical Ethernet solutions to customers in several cities throughout the United States.
These solutions will combine AFS' advanced metropolitan full-spectrum fiber communication networks and services with products from Nortel Networks Optical Networks portfolio and Nortel Networks Passport 8600 Routing Switch. Together, these products provide the simplicity, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness of Ethernet with the high reliability, speed, and reach of optics, say Nortel representatives. The vendor will also provide real-time customer service and support.
"AFS has chosen Nortel Networks OPTera Metro and Passport solutions to cost-effectively scale our existing fiber network infrastructure in order to quickly respond to our customers' service and bandwidth demands at flat rate prices," reports Bill Ciminelli, vice president, Network Development and Services, American Fiber Systems. "Our networks will enable bandwidth hungry applications, including IP (Internet Protocol) VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) and LAN (local area network) extension, while giving each enterprise control over their network operation and cost."
"Using these products, customers can reap the benefits of a secure, simple, and scalable solution with the speed and simplicity of Ethernet to create an optimal foundation for delivery of IP services," adds Brian McFadden, president, Optical Networks, Nortel Networks. "Nortel Networks is committed to working closely with AFS to offer customers a comprehensive, cost-effective solution that includes consistent high-reliability and eliminates any single point of failure."
AFS will offer Ethernet point-to-point, point-to-multipoint, and Internet access (EIA) services with bandwidth rates from 10 Mbits/sec to Gigabit Ethernet. AFS customers will be able to choose specific, custom bandwidth rates.
"Our services will respond to the lack of real fiber based access for a significant percentage of non-residential real estate locations in many metropolitan areas," explains Ciminelli. "We are particularly pleased to work with Nortel Networks to support our customers in achieving their goals of delivering mission-critical, network-based services and Internet access at unsurpassed speeds, reliability, and value for their end-users."