Windstream adds 100G to regional metro networks with Cyan

Windstream has launched an upgrade of its metro and regional fiber-optic networks to 100 Gbps using equipment from Cyan (NYSE: CYNI), the optical transport and software-defined networking (SDN) platform vendor says.

Initial deployments of Cyan’s Z-Series packet-optical network systems have begun across "major Windstream markets," Cyan says. The fiber network upgrade will improve Windstream's ability to offer advanced IP services for small to medium businesses and higher-speed Ethernet broadband services to residential subscribers. Windstream also plans to use the new capabilities to offer data center and cloud connectivity and mobile backhaul and serve the needs of research and education networks, among other initiatives.

"Windstream makes technology investments that are directly in line with supporting both the company's long-term growth and the critical use cases of our customers," said Randy Nicklas, CTO and EVP of engineering at Windstream. "Upgrading from 10G to 100G capacity across our regional and metro networks through Cyan's Z-Series platforms will allow Windstream to utilize network resources efficiently and provide best-in-class services to our customers."

The upgrade represents an expansion of Cyan's relationship with Windstream. The systems house previously had supplied elements of its Z-Series to support Windstream's wireless backhaul and consumer broadband applications at lower data rates.

The move continues an overall upgrade of the Windstream network to 100G. The service provider launched a 100G upgrade of its long-haul network earlier this year using Infinera’s DTN-X (see "Windstream picks Infinera for 100G long-haul express network").

For more information on high-speed transmission systems and suppliers, visit the Lightwave Buyer's Guide.