Fibertech Networks taps Ciena for LTE wireless backhaul

Fibertech Networks reports that it is using equipment from Ciena Corp. (NASDAQ: CIEN) to build a reliable and robust mobile backhaul network for an unidentified wireless service provider in Connecticut. The deployment will connect 250 cell towers across the state to support the carrier’s efforts to meet business and residential customer demand for high-bandwidth applications such as video streaming and music downloading on mobile devices.

Fibertech has already started to deploy 10-Gbps fiber-based backhaul connections to individual cell sites. The company has chosen Ciena’s 5410 and 5150 Service Aggregation Switches, and 3930 Service Delivery Switches, all part of Ciena's Carrier Ethernet Service Delivery (CESD) portfolio. This equipment creates a simplified, automated backhaul network that is also scalable, reliable and future-proofed to meet demand for data services with maximum performance, the pair claim.

Ciena notes that its Ethernet Service Manager (ESM) provides automated service creation, activation, and management, which will allow Fibertech to quickly turn up Carrier Ethernet services to meet customer demands and SLA requirements.

Embedded RFC 2544 testing capabilities in the 3930 Service Delivery Switches will allow Fibertech field technicians and installers to capture test results and demonstrate that Ethernet backhaul services are meeting the SLA requirements of the wireless service provider, remotely.

Ciena is also providing Fibertech with ongoing consultation, maintenance and support for this deployment via Ciena Specialist Services.

"Fibertech has extensive experience in fiber backhaul connectivity and was one of the first fiber providers to work closely with wireless carriers to connect towers and mobile switching centers with fiber," said Earl Ipsaro, vice president of engineering at Fibertech. "It has been a pleasure to align with Ciena. After an eight-week successful trial run, we were impressed with the scalability, reliability and performance of Ciena’s CESD solutions. Working with them ensures our customers’ ability to meet demand for bandwidth-intensive mobile applications for many years to come."

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