NoaNet deploys 100G on Washington middle-mile fiber-optic network

Northwest Open Access Network (NoaNet) has upgraded its middle-mile fiber-optic network to 100 Gbps using its fielded FSP 3000 optical transport platforms from ADVA Optical Networking, the systems house says. The 100G network deployment, which runs throughout the State of Washington and provides services to rural and underserved areas, received a boost from the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP; see “NoaNet deploys ADVA FSP 3000 in Washington state middle mile network”).

NoaNet, a non-profit mutual corporation, received a pair of BTOP grants totaling $140 million to extend its open-access network by approximately 1000 miles (see “NoaNet: High-speed broadband expansion underway across Washington state”). The network now comprises more than 1800 fiber miles and supports 61 last-mile service providers that serve more than 260,000 customers. NoaNet, a group of 10 public utility districts and a joint operating agency, has provided wholesale services in Washington since 2000.

Having worked with ADVA since 2005, NoaNet felt comfortable basing its network expansion on the FSP 3000.

“We first started working with the team at ADVA Optical Networking almost 10 years ago. During this time our network has scaled from 10G to 40G and now 100G,” said Rob Kopp, CTO, NoaNet. “The key to this relationship is trust. Their team understands our network, our communities. They realize how important it is to bridge the digital divide and provide ubiquitous Internet access to all. Our network now extends over thousands of miles of fiber and what's key about ADVA Optical Networking's 100G technology is its reach. With this technology we are able to provide services to rural communities that rival or exceed what is available in metro areas.”

In addition to supplying the FSP 3000, ADVA Optical Networking also provided installation and support services.

“NoaNet has seen firsthand how technology can change lives, how it can help to drive education, improve healthcare and increase business opportunities,” commented John Scherzinger, senior vice president, North America Sales, ADVA Optical Networking. “For 10 years we've partnered NoaNet on this journey and its migration to 100G is an exceptional culmination of belief, effort and determination. With every day, NoaNet is helping to close the digital divide in Washington state and push Internet access to more and more people. We're committed to helping NoaNet take this even further. We've already proven how scalable our technology is and the next step is to move beyond 100G.”

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