Knology selects Optinel's PLEXiS platform to deliver data and video services

March 5, 2004 Elkridge, MD -- Interactive communications and entertainment services provider Knology Inc. has deployed Optinel Systems' PLEXiSTM MFX transport platform to support delivery of data and digital video services in Knoxville, TN, and Columbus, GA.

In Tennessee, Knology has deployed Optinel's PLEXiS system in the Knoxville head-end to provide additional bandwidth capacity for future data subscriber growth.

In a slightly different application, Knology's master head-end in Columbus is employing PLEXiS to transport all digital signals to their West Point, GA system in a redundant path link stretching approximately 40 miles. Optinel contends its PLEXiS hardware and software products offer service providers the scalability, capacity, and network control necessary to enable a variety of services with ultra-high network reliability and proven economic advantages.

"Optinel's flexible PLEXiS platform provides reliable delivery of video and data, allowing Knology to effectively meet the increasing demand for services in our Knoxville and Columbus markets," reports Ricky Luke, CTO for Knology. "Optinel's versatile transport solution has effectively met our current network requirements while at the same time allowing us to scale for future needs."

Key to this deployment is Optinel's flexible optical platform, which supports a wide variety of network configurations, ranging from simple, point-to-point links to fully protected, multi-service ring or star topologies. Optinel's suite of software products provides the necessary network management and control functions to support network deployments of all sizes and configurations.

"As demonstrated by Knology's deployment of PLEXiS equipment in Knoxville and Columbus, word is spreading about Optinel's ability to reliably and cost-effectively deliver video and data services on a converged platform," contends Jim Faust, CEO of Optinel Systems. "Optinel's solution is ideal for operators of all sizes offering a complete transport solution."

The PLEXiS system represents the latest technology available for network transport, capable of supporting from just a few to more than 80,000 video streams per fiber over distances of greater than 500 km, say company representatives. The multi-format nature of the PLEXiS MFX transport system coupled with its scalability enables the simultaneous transport of a variety of services.