Windstream brings Cyan into its 100G regional, metro networks

Windstream is taking the next step in its 100G journey, selecting Cyan's Z-Series packet-optical hardware to upgrade its regional and metro networks to 100G.

Already, the service provider has begun deploying Cyan's gear with plans to introduce a new packet-based 100 Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) network across a number of its major markets.

By adding Cyan to its vendor mix, the service provider said it will be able to offer a mix of IP-based services to its small to medium businesses and higher speed Ethernet-based broadband services to residential subscribers.

The Cyan gear will also enable Windstream to enhance its ability to deliver its growing mix of data center and cloud, wireless backhaul and research and education networks.

Having already been used by Windstream for wireless backhaul and to backhaul consumer broadband applications, Cyan is not a stranger to Windstream, but this latest deployment will serve a broader set of capabilities.

Windstream said one of the advantages of the Cyan system is that it provides 100G technology in a single-slot, providing density and reducing space and power requirements of competing systems.

Making a migration to 100G has been an ongoing priority for Windstream.

Earlier this year the service provider began work on the second phase of its 100G long-haul optical network covering nearly 4,100 miles that's set to be completed by the end of 2014 with Infinera.

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