Cox Communications Inc. a multiservice broadband communications company, has deployed an optical Ethernet solution from Nortel Networks to cost-effectively deliver high-speed Internet access, virtual local area networks (VLANs) and other metro Ethernet services to its enterprise customers.

Following testing and qualification, Cox has deployed an optical Ethernet solution from Nortel Networks as part of its Cox Business Services offering in San Diego, CA. By using optical Ethernet to simplify and centralize networks, Cox expects to save its business customers as much as 50% on network costs.

Nortel Networks OPTera Metro 3500 multiservice platform, a next generation SONET device incorporating resilient packet ring (RPR) technology, will enable Cox to use its network resources more efficiently and to flexibly deliver Ethernet services.

Four backbone RPR rings will provide Cox with an optical Ethernet packet network covering much of metro San Diego. Initially, Cox plans to offer 10 and 100 Mbits/sec Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet services, in addition to the traditional voice services it already offers.

More information about Nortel Networks can be found on the Web at www.nortelnetworks.com.