Ciena (NYSE:CIEN) says it has received a contract to provide packet switching and transport platforms to Windstream. The service provider will use the platforms as part of a fiber-to-the-tower (FTTT) infrastructure modernization effort that will pave the way for future support of 5G backhaul requirements.
The communications technology vendor states that wireless providers have begun to deploy 10-Gbps ports at their towers and 100-Gbps handoff capabilities. This trend, in turn, requires companies wishing to provide backhaul requirements must keep pace. Ciena says that, through the modernization program, Windstream will be able to provide multi-Gbps protected connections in support of its mobile network operator customers.
Windstream will deploy Ciena’s 3928 and 5170 packet transport platforms as part of the infrastructure upgrade (see "Ciena enhances packet networking portfolio"). “Network reliability is paramount to our wireless backhaul customers. Ciena’s next-generation SAOS software and Packet Networking portfolio, along with our topology and protocol designs, are enabling us to provide a world class, state-of-the-art mobile backhaul infrastructure with tightly integrated service orchestration,” said Buddy Bayer, chief network officer, Windstream.
“Our unique approach in building networks that are automated, adaptive and open is a key-enabler in Windstream’s ability to deliver reliable, high-bandwidth, and high-capacity services to meet the current needs of its customers, while also preparing for the next-generation of innovative, 5G applications,” added Kevin Sheehan, CTO of the Americas at Ciena.
Windstream is already using the 5170 platform in other parts of its network (see "Windstream to roll out Ciena 5170 Service Aggregation Platform to support 100 Gigabit Ethernet services").
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