Maryland Broadband Cooperative to upgrade middle-mile network to 400G via Ciena
The Maryland Broadband Cooperative (MdBC), a non-profit middle-mile network provider, has launched an upgrade of its 2500-fiber-mile statewide optical network using technology from Ciena (NYSE: CIEN). The network enhancement will bring 400G transport capabilities to MdBC’s more than 80 members, which include telecom companies, internet service providers (ISPs), utilities, health care facilities, universities, and state and local governments.
The upgrade will leverage Ciena’s 6500 T-Series Packet-Optical Platform and WaveLogic Ai coherent technology. MdBC will use Ciena’s Manage, Control and Plan (MCP) domain controller for coordinated multi-layer management for the new fiber network as well as an existing cell site network built on Ciena’s 5171 routing and switching platform. The network also will benefit from integrated PinPoint OTDR (optical time-domain reflectometer) capabilities from Ciena that will help discover and locate fiber cuts. Finally, Ciena Services will provide implementation services as well as maintenance and managed services.
“MdBC was founded to help address the lack of broadband access in unserved and underserved areas throughout Maryland. It’s the core of who we are,” said Drew Van Dopp, president and CEO of MdBC. “Ciena’s leading optical and network management solutions afford us greater performance and reliability to improve broadband access – and thereby digital inclusion – across every county in the state. This will help fuel economic development, jobs, education, and telehealth, improving quality of life in our rural and chronically underserved communities.”
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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.
You can connect with Stephen on LinkedIn as well as Twitter.