Sovernet selects Ciena 100G gear for statewide network

Sovernet, a subsidiary of holding company Atlantic Tele-Network Inc. (ATN), on Thursday announced it has chosen to light up Ciena's (Nasdaq: CIEN) IP networking and Packet-Optical Transport systems to support its statewide fiber network.

Over its statewide middle mile network--one that will include Ethernet and 100G capabilities--Vermont-based Sovernet will provide an array of broadband data and voice services, in addition to carrier services, including transit, high-capacity transport, cellular backhaul, waves and Internet connectivity.

Similar to other middle mile network providers, including Colorado's EAGLE-Net, Sovernet is targeting community anchors and business customers throughout Vermont that are looking for alternative higher speed optical service options.

Ciena and its network integration partner LightRiver will deploy Ciena's 5150 Service Aggregation Switch and its 3930 and 3931 Service Delivery Switches, which are set to be completed by June 2013 and which will connect to the 6500 Packet-Optical Platform featuring WaveLogic coherent optical technology with subtending G.8032 rings to provide increased network scalability and programmability.

By deploying these solutions, Sovernet will have what Ciena calls an OPn network architecture and a common method to deliver a large array of Ethernet services. Ciena claims the OPn network concept will provide support for next-gen and packet-based services while accelerating and automating service creation and activation.

In addition to the network gear, Ciena is providing Sovernet with its OneControl Unified Management System and a range of professional services for this deployment, including ongoing testing and support, via its Ciena Specialist Services portfolio. 

Sovernet's new 800-mile middle network was made possible by a $33.4 million grant from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration's (NTIA) Broadband Technology Opportunities Program. This new network will serve area businesses and over 340 community anchor institutions, including schools, libraries, public safety towers and state-owned buildings.

For more:
- see the release

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