Cbeyond deploys new dark fiber network with BTI Systems

SMB data services and connectivity supplier Cbeyond, Inc. (NASDAQ:CBEY) is deploying a new dark-fiber infrastructure to increase the number of buildings on its network. The new network, targeted initially at four U.S. markets, will provide cloud services and network connectivity via platforms from BTI Systems.

According to Brett Burgett, vice president of engineering and planning at Cbeyond, the company’s focus on small and medium-sized business customers has created opportunities to connect buildings within its 14-market footprint, in addition to individual customers. The roll out initially will focus on Atlanta, Dallas, Denver, and Houston. Burgett says the company hopes to have about 1000 buildings on-net by the end of next year.

The network will feature 10-Gbps core rings, plus 1-Gbps collector rings which will link the buildings. The core ring in Atlanta (where Cbeyond is headquartered) has been turned up, while deployments in the other markets are in their initial stages.

Burgett says the company looked at systems from “quite a few” vendors before settling on the BTI 7000 Series and BTI 700 Series packet optical platforms. The hardware capabilities certainly met Cbeyond’s requirements; in fact, BTI Systems provided the only set of systems to pass all of Cbeyond’s lab tests. Meanwhile, the proNX Service Manager will streamline service provisioning significantly, Burgett added.

The new fiber-optic network will expand Cbeyond’s addressable market as well as the company’s cloud and network service offerings, Burgett predicted. The fact that the company will be able to provide cloud services, as well as Ethernet Private Line and point-to-point connectivity, on-net should prove a valuable differentiator, he added.

“The security, scalability and manageability of the network plays an essential role in the migration to cloud services,” said Joe Oesterling, executive vice president, technology and operations at Cbeyond, via a BTI Systems press release. “BTI impressed us with its software and open APIs, which integrate efficiently into our infrastructure and make it easier and faster to provision network services. We look forward to working closely with BTI as we further expand our network.”

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