Openreach deploying routing and switching, optical transport systems from Ciena
Openreach, a division of BT Group plc. (LSE: BT.A) responsible for access network deployment and maintenance, has launched deployment of several elements from Ciena’s (NYSE: CIEN) Routing & Switching and coherent optical transport portfolios. Alongside use of Ciena’s Managed Services, the new hardware will improve capacity, flexibility, and management of Openreach’s open access network infrastructure, the two companies say.
Ciena is delivering its 3928, 5160, 5164, and 5171 routers and switches as well as its WaveLogic Ai coherent optical technology. The routers and switches are being used to support Openreach’s OSEA Filter Connect Lite capabilities, which are based on a hub-and-spoke architecture. The OSEA Filter Connect Lite infrastructure supports the delivery of multiple 10GbE/100GbE links into low-power, small-footprint aggregation points. The optical transport technology helps enable Openreach’s OSEA 6500 MUX product, which offers wavelength connectivity that can scale from 100 Gbps to 400 Gbps over a single wavelength.
Ciena will maintain the new network technology as part of its Managed Services offering. Network experts from both Ciena and Openreach will remotely monitor network conditions and correct issues as they occur.
“Our customers require agile networks and customizable solutions to meet demand and manage costs. Ciena’s solutions make it possible for us to deliver faster, more agile, resilient services for our customers in a shorter timeframe – and will help us meet increasing bandwidth needs aligned with our recently announced plans to expand our FTTP footprint to 25 million premises by 2026,” commented Peter Bell, Openreach’s director of network technology.
“Digital transformation was already underway, but years of progress have taken place in months as a result of the recent dramatic rise in remote work and learning. By adding adaptability and scalability to its offerings, Openreach is helping its customers meet the increased demand for improved digital connectivity with high-bandwidth 400G services to carrier and content provider customers across the UK,” added Jamie Jefferies, vice president and general manager, international at Ciena.
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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.
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