Hard on the heels of Juniper Networks’ (NYSE:JNPR) announcement that Comcast (Nasdaq:CMCSA, CMCSK) has deployed its T Series Core Routers, MX Series Universal Edge Routers, and EX Series Ethernet Switches (see “Comcast deploys Juniper Networks carrier-class routing, switching for new Metro Ethernet service”), Ciena (Nasdaq:CIEN) and Cisco (Nasdaq:CSCO) have raised their hands to call attention to their participation in the project. Cisco has delivered its Aggregation Services Router (ASR) 9000 Series, while Ciena has delivered its Carrier Ethernet Service Delivery (CESD) platforms for customer premises requirements.
Comcast announced its new metro Ethernet business services for mid-sized enterprises in May. The services are available in more than 20 markets initially, with more markets on Comcast’s near-term roadmap. The services, which the Metro Ethernet Forum has certified, include:
- Ethernet Private Line Service for point-to-point connectivity between two customer sites for bandwidth-intensive applications
- Ethernet Virtual Private Line Service, a point-to-multipoint connection that allows customers to tailor bandwidth, performance characteristics, and cost
- Ethernet Network Service for multipoint-to-multipoint connectivity requirements
- Ethernet Dedicated Internet Access Service for continuous, high-bandwidth connectivity between customers’ LANs and the public Internet.
Cisco’s Stephen Liu says that Comcast is a longstanding ASR 9000 customer and that the Cisco system is in place in all of the 20-plus initial markets. While it is too soon for Comcast to take advantage of the ASR 9000 Series upgrades Cisco recently announced (see “Cisco upgrades ASR 9000 to 96 Tbps, unveils nV network virtualization capability”), Liu says they were a factor in Comcast’s decision to use the platform.
Meanwhile, Comcast will deploy Ciena’s LE-311v at the customer premises. The platforms feature automated device configuration and service provisioning.
“Metro Ethernet has always been viewed as an optimal solution for mid-sized organizations struggling for more scalable bandwidth options to support their business, but the challenge was literally availability – they couldn’t get it. With its nationwide fiber-optic network and extensive fiber reach within its markets, Comcast’s Metro Ethernet services will help eliminate that availability issue while offering a completely separate option for network and service diversity,” said Mike Aquino, senior vice president, global field organization at Ciena. “Used for both business services and wireless backhaul, this deployment speaks directly to our Carrier Ethernet platforms forming a comprehensive portfolio for Ethernet service delivery in terms of flexible deployment options, service offerings, operational efficiency and price-for-performance.”
Initial markets for Comcast’s new services include: Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Detroit, Harrisburg (PA), Hartford, Houston, Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Miami, Nashville, the State of New Jersey, Oakland, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Portland, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, San Jose, Seattle, Washington, DC, and western New England.