5G Mobile

Windstream tabs Ciena for fiber-to-the-tower deployments

Nov. 2, 2020

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.

Stephen Hardy

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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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About the Author

Stephen Hardy | Editorial Director and Associate Publisher, Lightwave

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.

Stephen has moderated panels at numerous events, including the Optica Executive Forum, ECOC, and SCTE Cable-Tec Expo. He also is program director for the Lightwave Innovation Reviews and the Diamond Technology Reviews.

He has written numerous articles in all aspects of optical communications and fiber-optic networks, including fiber to the home (FTTH), PON, optical components, DWDM, fiber cables, packet optical transport, optical transceivers, lasers, fiber optic testing, and more.

You can connect with Stephen on LinkedIn as well as Twitter.