Broadcast services firm TDF adds 100G to optical network in France

TDF, which provides radio and television transmission services and other multimedia services such as digitization of content, encoding and storage, has added 100-Gbps capabilities to its network via the 6500 Packet-Optical Platform from Ciena Corp. (NYSE: CIEN).

The service provider, which targets telecom operators, IT service providers and institutions, and healthcare and finance organizations, operates a 4200-km fiber-optic network that connects to data centers in Paris, Bordeaux, Lille, Lyon, Aix-Marseille, and Rennes. TDF expects to increase its network reach to 5000 km by the end of 2014. Ciena reports the new capabilities are already a hit with TDF’s customers, especially in Bordeaux, where TDF opened its first data center in May 2013.

TDF, a Ciena BizConnect partner, tested the 100-Gbps capabilities on a long-haul transmission link from Bordeaux to Marseille (via Paris), a route that covered 1800 km. In addition to the 6500 packet-optical transport system, TDF also will leverage Ciena’s OneControl Unified Management System and digital video transport technology. The service provider also will use Ciena’s GeoAnalytics consulting service, which will enable TDF to identify customers by geography as well as perform vertical market targeting and lead generation activities.

“The network is now critical to numerous organizations in different sectors,” commented Jean-Louis Mounier, industrial director at TDF Group. “As part of our experience in the media sector and in order to address new markets, we implemented an expansion strategy that requires a reliable packet-optical technology and a partner that could support us in the creation of new services. Ciena provided us with that by helping us broaden our range of solutions, identify new clients and seize new opportunities.”

“In this increasingly competitive marketplace operators like TDF must quickly respond to customer demands and simultaneously implement new service offerings that help differentiate them in the market,” added Eric Sèle, vice president strategic solutions for Europe, Middle East and Africa at Ciena. “In our collaboration with TDF, we are laying the foundation for next-generation 100G offers, and also positioning them to address current market challenges with new advanced, high-speed applications and services for its customers.”

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