FirstLight Fiber, a service provider operating fiber-optic networks in Upstate New York and Northern New England with connectivity to Canada, has expanded its network capabilities to support 100-Gbps connectivity at any of its on-net locations.
This high-speed network upgrade comes in response to increased customer demand for high-bandwidth connections in Tier 2 and Tier 3 metro markets, the company says.
FirstLight says this capability was accomplished with the support provided by LightRiver Technologies, an integrator of multi-vendor transport networks, and leverages Ciena’s 6500 packet-optical transport platform.
FirstLight will also be able to better manage, monitor, and control network performance using Ciena’s OneControl unified management system, which provides simple point-and-click service provisioning to enable faster service turn-up and end-to-end visibility of network performance.
“LightRiver is proud to work with FirstLight on this important project. After evaluating what’s available in the market, FirstLight has taken decisive action to undertake this network upgrade leveraging best-in-breed technology from Ciena. In doing so, it proves that 100-Gbps connections are no longer just for customers located in Tier 1 markets by making them available for everyone throughout Upstate New York and Northern New England,” said Michael P. Jonas, president of global sales and marketing for LightRiver.
With this network upgrade, FirstLight says it now has the capability of offering 100-Gbps point-to-point wavelengths between any on-net locations throughout its footprint. The operator’s network spans 190,000 fiber miles connecting in excess of 1400 buildings with the ability to serve an additional 10,000 in close proximity to its network.
“FirstLight is focused on supporting its customers’ needs, and this network enhancement, which now makes 100-Gbps capability ubiquitously available, further demonstrates our commitment to the continued enhancement of the suite of services offered,” said James Capuano, chief of network operations for FirstLight Fiber. “The 100-Gbps capability we have been offering provides customers with a reliable and efficient means to transport their mission critical data, and now that our entire network is capable of scaling above 100 Gbps, our customers can be confident that we will continue to support their business applications.”
For more information on high-speed transmission systems and suppliers, visit the Lightwave Buyer’s Guide.
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