Comcast is using a Juniper Networks (NYSE:JNPR) routing and switching system for its Metro Ethernet service, designed to meet the requirements of mid-sized businesses in more than 20 major U.S. markets.
The Juniper Networks system, based on Juniper's single Junos operating system, is helping to deliver the high-availability service expectations of Comcast's growing customer base, while improving the total economics of the network, according to a company representative.
"As part of our MEF-certified, multi-vendor infrastructure for Metro Ethernet services, Juniper Networks is helping us deliver a reliable and cost-effective metro data service for our mid-sized customers, so that they can better manage their businesses as applications and traffic needs continue to grow," says Kevin O'Toole, senior vice president of product management and strategy, Comcast Business Services. "As more of our customers turn to Metro Ethernet services as the preferred next-generation technology, our network is critical to ensuring we're providing the most flexible business services to markets across the U.S."
In order to support the evolving requirements of its customers' new and emerging critical applications, including cloud computing and business continuity, Comcast deployed Juniper Networks T Series Core Routers, MX Series Universal Edge Routers, and EX Series Ethernet Switches to help maximize the performance and reliability of its network while supporting a wide range of business services. The combination enables Comcast to support its existing network requirements, while also building in the scalability to accommodate the future requirements of its customers.
"As mid-sized businesses increasingly place more of their mission-critical applications on the network and in the cloud, they are searching for services that provide the total reliability, scalability and cost-effectiveness necessary to support the needs of their business," explains Stefan Dyckerhoff, executive vice president and general manager of the Platform Systems Group, Juniper Networks. "By deploying Juniper Networks routers and switches, Comcast is making that level of service a reality for businesses that require a lower cost of connectivity along with flexible capacity."
Comcast Metro Ethernet services are delivered using the company's 147,000 mile fiber-based IP network. With the new rollout, Comcast is offering four distinct Ethernet services: point-to-point, point-to-multipoint, multipoint-to-multipoint, and dedicated Internet access. Comcast is supporting the services with bandwidth from 1 Mbps up to 10 Gbps that can be remotely scaled in increments of 1 Mbps, 10 Mbps, 100 Mbps, or 1 Gbps.
In addition to the 20-plus markets where Comcast has announced availability for the Metro Ethernet service, the company plans additional market rollouts in coming months.