BT paves new 40G, 100G optical networking path

BT (NYSE: BT) has made it official that 40G and 100G are going to be part of its 21st Century Network (21CN) core network.

Ciena 6500 platform

Ciena 6500 packet-optical platform

To make these plans reality, BT is employing Ciena's (Nasdaq: CIEN) 6500 platform, which it says will become the foundation to support its residential broadband and Ethernet service initiatives.

The UK incumbent's plan is nothing short of aggressive, with plans to begin commercial rollout of the equipment by the end of this year. Initially, the service provider's rollout will include a single photonic layer covering BT's UK network.

In addition to 40G and 100G capabilities, the 6500 platform will offer BT integrated OTN switching, which will enable it to optimize support for a number of traffic types while enabling them to deliver wavelength services to enterprise customers.  

And since Ciena's platform has built-in ROADM functionality, BT's 21st Century Network will require less network elements while enabling enhanced operations and lower operating costs.

Complementing the latest and previous network deployments Ciena has had with BT since 2003, the latest deal will incorporate Ciena's multilayer OneControl network management tool that will be integrated into its existing OSS systems to monitor the health of the entire network.

This win with BT is also another good example Ciena itself has under its belt. Along with BT, the vendor recently signed a deal with existing customer MTS Allstream to provide its 6500 gear to the Canadian operator's move to 100G.  

For more:
- see the release

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