Metro Communications opts for Cyan Blue Planet SDN and packet-optical transport

Cyan, Inc. says Illinois-based Metro Communications Company, Inc. has chosen Cyan’s Blue Planet software-defined network (SDN) system and Z-Series packet-optical transport platforms to expand its core network infrastructure.

In its entirety, the new network will cover over 700 fiber route miles in central Illinois and deliver wavelength and Ethernet services to mobile operators as well as businesses and government offices throughout its operating area. Cyan asserts Metro Communications will also keep costs down and accelerate service availability by using Cyan PRO network operations center (NOC) outsourcing.

"This important network expansion helps us grow beyond our voice termination roots and deliver higher value transport and IP services to our customers," said Zak Horn, president with Metro Communications. "We are delivering wireless backhaul solutions, as well as Ethernet and SONET services, to a number of underserved areas in central Illinois. Cyan makes the expansion easy -- providing the software, equipment, and services needed to make this a seamless transformation. Cyan even manages third-party network devices such as those from Overture Networks which we are deploying. The flexibility in the Z-Series is ideal for central Illinois where we serve both metropolitan and rural markets across our 25,000 square mile footprint."

The Cyan Z-Series packet-optical transport platforms (P-OTPs) will be deployed to deliver DWDM, Ethernet, and legacy SONET services. The Z-Series offers up to 2.8 Tbps of switching capacity and offers environmentally hardened units compact enough for deployment at tower locations (see “Cyan adds multi-layer switch fabric for router bypass to Z-Series”). Meanwhile, Blue Planet includes a range of Cyan and third-party applications handling everything from planning, configuration, and management, through performance verification and billing.

Jeff Parow, Cyan vice president of sales for the Eastern US, added, "Metro Communications' deployment of Cyan exemplifies the importance of combining software, hardware, and services in an integrated package. It gives them a much more cost effective solution while still allowing them to mix and match third party elements. And with Cyan PRO, it allows them to begin realizing the cost benefits immediately."

The entire Metro Communications network will be operated by Cyan personnel through its CyNOC service, a component of Cyan PRO services. CyNOC gives Metro Communications 24x7 coverage immediately without having to train its own personnel.

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