The Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI) is deploying Ciena’s 6500 Packet-Optical Platform, equipped with WaveLogic Coherent Optical Processors, to provide 40G connectivity across 120 communities in western and central Massachusetts, as part of a planned state-wide optical network.
The MassBroadband 123 network, which is funded by a combination of federal and state investment, will provide direct connections to schools, hospitals, libraries and public safety facilities that currently lack reliable, affordable Internet services.
Funding includes a $45.4 million grant from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act’s Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) and $26.2 million from Mass. statewide resources.
Ciena noted that OpenCape, a 350-mile fiber optic network across Southeastern Massachusetts, is also using its coherent optical transport and packet networking solutions.
