Windstream launches ICON Intelligent Converged Optical Network
Windstream Wholesale has announced readiness of its new its Intelligent Converged Optical Network (ICON). Alongside the unveiling of the open and disaggregated network architecture, the company says it has added new routes in the western part of the U.S. using equipment from Ciena (NYSE: CIEN).
The ICON infrastructure is designed to provide Layer 0-3 network insights via a Network Intelligence console and close integration of local and long-distance infrastructure. Customers will receive access to predictive analytics based on machine learning about the health and performance of the network as well as enjoy proactive ticketing, monthly SLA reports, and inventory management. From an optical perspective, the disaggregated network approach will enable use of best-of-breed open line systems, scalability, and support of alien wavelengths with flexible-grid and C+L-Band support. Windstream says it will be able to offer spectrum services with mixed add/drop capabilities as well as quicker turnaround when meeting custom requirements.
“Windstream is deploying ICON in a holistic way so that businesses can leverage additional bandwidth with a low latency, cohesive infrastructure,” explained Buddy Bayer, Windstream’s chief network officer. “We took time to be intentional about our network planning so we can ride the technology curve and won’t have to overbuild line systems every time there’s a stair-step advance in technology.”
The new Western U.S. links include a route from Hillsboro and Portland to Sacramento, as well as one from Los Angeles to Las Vegas. The Hillsboro fiber infrastructure will provide customers with diverse connectivity to data centers across the country and pave the way for future needs from hyperscalers and cloud providers, Windstream says.
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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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