Ciena (NYSE: CIEN) says it has enhanced its packet networking portfolio with new hardware and software capabilities by introducing three new edge products and equipping its 8700 platform with more capacity.
The newly announced additions address both edge access and aggregation requirements. They include:
· Edge Access: The 3926m is a carrier-grade platform for 10 Gigabit Ethernet service delivery that includes an expansion slot for modules supporting third-party virtual network functions (VNFs). Ciena recommends the platform for Ethernet business service demarcation supporting added functions, such as third-party vRouter or vEncryptor services. For supporting network modernization, a TDM circuit emulation module is also offered.
· Edge Access: The 3928 Service Delivery Switch comprises a 10 Gigabit Ethernet NTE that Ciena asserts maintains the carrier-class features necessary for reliable service delivery. For various indoor and outdoor environments, dual powered AC and DC variants with extended temperature options are also offered.
· Edge Aggregation: Designed with an x86 server that powers Ciena's Service Aware Operating System (SAOS) software and its open VNF hosting capabilities, the 5170 Service Aggregation Switch provides carrier-class 100 Gigabit Ethernet services direct to the customer premises, as well as dense 10 Gigabit Ethernet service aggregation in a 1RU form factor.
· Edge Aggregation: The more than doubling of the existing 8700 Packetwave platform's capacity addresses applications of up to 100 Gbps in support of enterprise business services, mobile backhaul, and data center interconnect.
The packet portfolio expansion aims to help network operators accommodate what Ciena sees as pressure to deploy more connections at faster speeds, while still monitoring and managing the connections' delivery performance to thousands of end-user services.
Ciena's packet portfolio offers zero-touch provisioning and other operational efficiencies, along with system and service attributes across all Ethernet and MPLS access and aggregation applications, using Ciena's SAOS. In addition, Blue Planet contributes multi-vendor service and virtual function orchestration for leveraging open, programmable networks to both operators and end-users.
"Ciena's packet networking solutions have given us the ability to efficiently deliver and aggregate enormous quantities of data at speeds from 1GbE to 100GbE, while meeting the strict service level agreements that our customers demand," said Jack De La Garza, Uniti Fiber's vice president of engineering.
For related articles, visit the Network Design Topic Center.
For more information on high-speed transmission systems and suppliers, visit the Lightwaver Buyer's Guide.