Ciena enables advanced Ethernet and 100G capacity for Sovernet

Ciena Corp. (NASDAQ: CIEN) says Sovernet Fiber Corp will deploy Ciena’s packet networking and packet-optical transport technology to deliver high-speed, high-capacity communications services to community anchors and business customers throughout Vermont.

Founded in 1995, Sovernet provides reliable Internet, data, and telecommunication services to customers throughout northern New England. This deployment will support the operator’s new statewide network, providing advanced Ethernet service delivery and 100G connectivity to enable new broadband data and voice services, as well as carrier services, including transit, high-capacity transport, mobile backhaul, wavelengths, and Internet connectivity.

Ciena’s 5150 Service Aggregation Switch, 3930 and 3931 Service Delivery Switches will connect to the 6500 Packet Optical Platform (featuring WaveLogic coherent optical technology) with subtending G.8032 rings to provide increased network scalability and programmability. Collectively, this equipment will provide Sovernet with Ciena’s OPn network architecture and a common, consistent way to deliver a full range of Ethernet services – including legacy and fast-growing packet services – while significantly accelerating and automating service creation and activation.

Ciena is also providing Sovernet with its OneControl unified management system, and a range of professional services for this deployment via its Ciena Specialist Services portfolio, including ongoing testing and support.

Sovernet expects overall network deployment to be finalized by June 2013.

LightRiver, a Ciena Diamond Bizconnect partner for the past three years, provided a turnkey network, project management, and technical resources.

Sovernet is the sub-recipient of a $33.4 million grant from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) Broadband Technology Opportunities Program. The grant, along with additional funding, has enabled Sovernet to develop an 800-mile middle-mile fiber-optic network connecting businesses and over 340 community anchor institutions, including schools, libraries, public safety towers, and State owned buildings.

“In order to address our customers’ increasing demands for bandwidth, we needed a technology partner that could deliver a reliable, scalable and efficient solution, with the ability to install quickly,” said Brandon Peyton, director of operations at Sovernet. “After weighing our options, Ciena was the obvious choice – its solutions are proven, and the company’s ability to understand our network needs today, and how best to meet future requirements, all while keeping our costs in check, are unsurpassed.”

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