Comcast has begun deploying Ciena’s 5131 Coherent Access Platform (CAP) to extend 100 Gb/s connectivity across its footprint, including rural and underserved regions. The platform uses coherent optics to push fiber reach beyond 100 km while eliminating the need for costly hub sites, power-intensive cabinets, or specialized switches.
The deployment supports Comcast’s Rural Broadband and BEAD initiatives, delivering 100G capacity for residential, SMB, enterprise, and community anchor institutions. Housed in a standardized, weatherproof, line-powered enclosure, the 5131 CAP simplifies installation and operations while significantly improving cost efficiency compared to traditional dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) systems.
Ciena and Comcast said the new solution will accelerate broadband deployments while meeting the growing demand for high-speed, reliable connectivity. “Ciena’s coherent routing technology is the newest tool to help us pursue this goal as efficiently as possible,” said Elad Nafshi, Executive Vice President and Chief Network Officer for Comcast Connectivity and Platforms.
• Comcast is deploying Ciena’s 5131 Coherent Access Platform across its fiber footprint
• Enables 100 Gb/s capacity delivery to rural and underserved areas
• Extends fiber reach beyond 100 km without expensive hub sites
• Supports residential, SMB, enterprise, and community anchor institutions
• Line-powered, weatherproof enclosure reduces cost and operational complexity
“Working together, Ciena and Comcast have brought this unique solution to market, allowing Comcast to deliver 100 Gb/s over longer distances without the need for expensive hub sites or power-hungry equipment,” said Kevin Sheehan, CTO of the Americas, VP of Sales Engineering at Ciena.
