EX Networks upgrades metro fiber network with Smartoptics open line systems
Open line systems vendor Smartoptics says it will provide various elements of its portfolio to EX Networks, a UK provider of hosting and data center services. The metro fiber network upgrade will enable EX Networks to meet current demands for connectivity up to 100G as well as set the stage for 400G services in the future.
EX Networks focuses on meeting the needs of ISPs, multinational enterprises, and other customers in London and the surrounding area. With demands for capacity and connectivity to additional sites increasing, EX Networks has decided to upgrade its infrastructure, which includes 200 km of fiber that connects 11 sites in the UK and in Europe. The enhancement initiative will see the deployment of the Smartoptics DCP-1610 transponder and DWDM optics as well as the DCP-F open line system. The technology vendor asserts the additions will improve network control, reduce latency, and increase capacity.
Executives at EX Networks appear to agree. “We realized that we needed to rethink our network to make it futureproof and ready for rolling out new services based not only on 10G and 100G but also 400G. Once we knew what we wanted, selecting the right vendor was an easy decision,” stated Volkan Dil, managing director EX Networks. “We understood early on that Smartoptics could offer a unique combination of technical skills, a strong product portfolio and a thorough understanding of how a business like ours is run. The way Smartoptics collaborates with us, rather than simply focusing on shifting boxes, resonates very well with how we want a vendor partnership to work – and also how we serve our customers.”
“Providing networking advice and equipment to EX Networks’ metro network solutions is a perfect fit for Smartoptics. State-of-the art networking for service provider metro networks is one of our core skill areas. Being able to create this intelligent network based on our recently launched DCP-F family of products is yet another testament to the success of our strategy for open line systems and disaggregated networking solutions,” added Magnus Grenfeldt, CEO of Smartoptics.
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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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