Openreach, BT’s local access network business, has selected Ciena’s packet networking solutions to support the evolution of its Ethernet services.
Openreach provides CPs with equal access to the wires and fibres that deliver the data, broadband and voice services to tens of millions of homes and businesses in the UK. Openreach’s EAD+ services offer a wide choice of high-bandwidth, permanently connected, point-to-point Ethernet solutions that help CPs expand their own networks and deliver a range of high-quality services, such as cloud computing, storage area network connectivity and mobile backhaul.
Openreach’s EAD+ services will use Ciena’s E-suite family of packet switch modules, including the 3916 and 3930 Service Delivery Switches and 5142, 5150 and 5160 Service Aggregation Switches. Openreach will also leverage Ciena’s Operations, Administration and Maintenance (OAM) software, including its Service-Aware Operating System (SAOS) and OneControl Unified Management System, to enable low-touch service provisioning. With Ciena’s automated reporting and service-level testing capabilities, Openreach will be able to proactively monitor and measure the network’s ongoing performance for greater efficiency. Financial terms were not disclosed.
“We have been providing our Ethernet Access Direct products to the UK communications industry since 2009. During this time, market demand for secure, dedicated business connectivity has grown exponentially – literally underpinning the bread and butter of businesses right across the UK. Maintaining a robust supply chain against this backdrop is of paramount importance to us and our customers. Choosing Ciena as our new dual NTE vendor will provide assurance of continuous supply while also maximising opportunities to further develop the capabilities we offer,” stated Jon Hurry, MD, Strategy, Commercial, Portfolio & Policy, Openreach.
