AccessOn Networks expands North Carolina fiber backbone network with Ciena
North Carolina based fiber network services provider AccessOn Networks has chosen systems and software from Ciena (NYSE: CIEN) for a fiber backbone expansion project. The initiative will see AccessOn Networks both improve the capabilities of its current network as well as expand its reach.
AccessOn Networks provides connectivity to small cities and towns across North Carolina. The company offers services to carriers and enterprises, offers wireless network connectivity, and services the banking, education, health care, and retail industries in the state. It also serves the needs of partner companies, including ATMC, Skyline/SkyBest Communications, Surry Communications, Star Communications, Randolph Communications, and Yadtel Telecommunications.
The fiber network enhancement project will see AccessOn Networks deploy Ciena’s 6500 Flexible Grid ROADM, powered in some cases by the WaveLogic 5 Extreme coherent optical engine and in others by the WaveLogic Ai, as well as the 5170 Platform. The 6500 will enable the delivery of 100GbE services and extend access to new points of presence (PoPs) via long-distance 600-Gbps wavelengths. The 5170 will accommodate lower-speed 10GbE requirements where needed. The deployment also will leverage Ciena’s Manage, Control and Plan (MCP) domain controller to increase network visibility and monitoring capabilities.
“Our mission is to provide connections to small, rural communities throughout North Carolina and put them on equal footing with even the largest cities,” said Steve Ledford, CEO of AccessOn Networks. “Ciena’s solutions will allow us to achieve that goal by transforming the network with greater capacity and efficiency to accommodate the increasing digital needs of our partners and their customers.”
“As the home network becomes increasingly important, AccessOn Networks can serve as the missing link, giving the local community greater connectivity. With Ciena’s solutions, these communities will have improved Internet services, boosting digital opportunities for all,” added Bruce Hembree, vice president and general manager of sales in the Americas for Ciena.
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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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