Segra applies 800G to Optical Express Core network with Ciena

June 15, 2021
The backbone fiber network offers connections to such Southeast U.S. locations as Atlanta, GA, Ashburn, VA, and Raleigh, Greensboro, and Charlotte, NC.

Fiber infrastructure and services provider Segra has launched the Optical Express Core network using the 800G capabilities of Ciena’s (NYSE: CIEN) 800G WaveLogic 5 Extreme coherent optical engine. The backbone fiber network offers connections to such Southeast U.S. locations as Atlanta, GA, Ashburn, VA, and Raleigh, Greensboro, and Charlotte, NC.

The Optical Express Core will provide Segra with a long-haul/core DWDM tier connection capability between key markets in its footprint while enabling the company to quickly adapt to customer demands and offer connectivity across any path in the fiber network. The network also is designed for reduced hand-offs, low latency, 100G/200G/400G/600G and 800G service support, and sub-rate “packing” of bandwidth with OTN switching to more effectively use network channels.

To enable these capabilities, Segra is deploying Ciena’s WaveLogic 5 Extreme transponders and 6500 flexible-grid colorless, directionless, contentionless (CDC) open line system, managed by Ciena’s Manage, Control and Plan (MCP) domain controller. “Teaming up with Ciena to build our new Express Optical Core prepares our network for the next phase of capabilities that our customers demand,” said Jason Campbell, COO at Segra. “Express Optical Core will revitalize the current optical transport networks for increased stability and scalability that meet the needs of our business and carrier customers and the expected 5G, edge computing services, and applications.”

“Segra’s expansive fiber infrastructure network, along with our networking systems and software is the winning combination to upgrade these fiber network connections from Virginia to North Carolina. Our collaboration with Segra to build the new Optical Express Core network will help double the data throughput per wavelength, along with reduction in overall power, space, and system complexity,” added Bruce Hembree, vice president and general manager at Ciena.

Segra was formed via the combination of Lumos Networks and Spirit Communications in early 2019 (see "Segra new name for Lumos Networks, Spirit Communications combination").

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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.

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