Juniper Networks (NYSE:JNPR) and NEC Corp. (NEC; TSE: 6701) say they are assisting Tele Columbus AG in the German fiber network provider’s efforts to create a converged interconnect network (CIN). Juniper is providing elements of its Cloud Metro infrastructure portfolio and NEC is supplying what it terms “xHaul transformation services.” Tele Columbus expects to begin using the CIN early this year.
Tele Columbus operates a fiber network in Germany that reaches more than 3 million homes. The company uses its network to provide its PŸUR portfolio of high-speed internet, telephony, and video, often leveraging partnerships with housing associations, municipalities, and regional utilities. It also provides services to business customers.
To improve service to its customers and help fend off competition, the company decided to move to an open, CIN architecture that would simultaneously support its residential and business offerings. After consultancy and validations led by NEC’s 5G Transport Network Center of Excellence (CoE) in EMEA, Tele Columbus decided to deploy elements of Juniper Network’s Cloud Metro portfolio. The technology deployment centers on Juniper’s ACX7000 Family of cloud metro routers. Among other benefits, the ACX7000 routers offer multiple port speed options that enable an easy transition from 100G to 400G, according to Juniper.
NEC, meanwhile, is providing its xHaul transformation services, a portfolio that includes design, deployment, and operation support, including training and optimization.
“German subscribers – as elsewhere - are already focused on the performance, scalability, and reliability of digital services as those will become even more important differentiators in the future. In order to meet these expectations in the context of exponential data growth, we stepped ahead transforming our technology platform and by that shaping our business for the future,” commented Michael Fränkle, CTO at Tele Columbus. “The Cloud Metro solution, the partnership of Juniper and NEC, and attentive local support matched our needs and has shown us the value of simplicity, innovation, and open, multivendor principles. This has enabled a migration path that honors Tele Columbus’ vision, sustainability imperatives, and commercial considerations front and center.”
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