Network operator Windstream has partnered with Cyan, an SDN, NFV and packet-optical solution firm, to upgrade existing metro networks to provide 100-gigabit data capacity. The move toward 100G is seen as critical in powering mobile broadband services.
Windstream reps said the partnership will enhance both enterprise and residential broadband services while positioning the company to be more competitive in the data center/cloud computing sector. Windstream CTO and EVP of engineering Randy Nicklas says the partnership with Cyan is “directly in line with supporting both companies’ long-term growth and the critical use cases of our customers.”
“Upgrading from 10G to 100G capacity across our regional and metro networks through Cyan’s Z-Series platforms will allow Windstream to utilize network resources efficiently and provide best-in-class services to our customers,” Nicklas said.
Partners combine specialties to provide 100G upgrade
Headquartered in Little Rock, Ark., Windstream is a Fortune 500 company with annual revenue reported in the $6 billion range. The company provides cloud computing capabilities, managed services, broadband, phone and digital television.
A Windstream rep, speaking at the recent IEEE GlobeCom show in Austin, Texas, forecasted the company’s interest in offering 100G metro service.
Buddy Shaw told conference attendees that 100G is “definitely, from our perspective, a long-term winner. We’re looking at the metro space. Anywhere we’re doing expansion right now, it’s always about 100 gig.”
Cyan, headquartered in Petaluma, Calif., provides multivendor, multilayer control and visibility features to network operators using open software platforms.
Windstream and Cyan have worked together for several years, particularly in the wireless backhaul and consumer broadband application space.
Cyan’s Z-Series Packet Optical Platforms feature CE 2.0 service delivery, router bypass, data center interconnect, backhaul and content delivery by integrating 100G Ethernet packets, 100G coherent transport and 96-channel 100G ROADM.
