CapeNet Picks 100G Coherent Optics of Ciena & Carrier Ethernet Solutions To Power The OpenCape Network

CapeNet is managing construction of the OpenCape Network, which is on target for completion by January, 2013. CapeNet will provide a portfolio of high-speed, business broadband services over the new fiber network.

Funded through a Broadband Technology Opportunity Program (BTOP) infrastructure grant as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act , the OpenCape Network will support regional businesses, government, education, libraries, research institutions, hospitals and public safety first responders.

On Cape Cod, the network will provide high-speed broadband connectivity to approximately 70 community anchor institutions, to include 30 libraries, five colleges, 15 town network hubs, and six research institutions. Throughout its entire footprint the network offers further opportunities to hundreds of additional anchor institutions and nearly 62,000 businesses.

Shannon Silvus, CapeNet CTO & VP Operations stated, "Demand for high-bandwidth services is increasing at exponential rates and the Cape region is no exception. CapeNet is building a fiber optic network which will serve the region's communication needs for decades to come."

Discussing the choice of Ciena, Mr. Silvus said, "Ciena is a strategic supplier with proven leadership in optical transport technology. Ciena is the first company to develop coherent 40G and 100G solutions that are deployable in backbone networks across the globe. Ciena optical and Carrier Ethernet solutions will enable CapeNet to build an agile, scalable network architecture with the ability to increase capacity as needed."

Stephen B. Alexander, Ciena SVP and CTO, said, "The OpenCape project joins an expanding list of federally-funded BTOP grant recipients that have selected Ciena to power the future of broadband in the United States. Ciena is extremely pleased to have been chosen by CapeNet to bring the benefits of resilient, scalable, next-generation optical transport to this under-served region."

Mr. Alexander added, "Ciena's WaveLogic™ Coherent Optical Processors vastly expand capacity without disrupting existing networks, providing simple and cost-effective upgrades from 10G to 40G or 100G, with a clear path to 400G. Our 100G and Carrier Ethernet solutions will help spur economic development by giving the region greater access to high-speed broadband connectivity."

CapeNet is using Ciena's 100G coherent optical transport solution on Ciena's 6500 Packet-Optical Platform as the backbone of the network providing the ultra-high bandwidth service. In addition, Ciena's 5150 and 3916 Carrier Ethernet Solutions (CES) will provide aggregation and delivery of highly reliable broadband services to CapeNet customers.

CapeNet is also leveraging Ciena's OneControl network management solution which will provide comprehensive control and visualization of their deployed Ciena Transport and Carrier Ethernet network elements, for seamless multi-layer end-to-end service activation and assurance from wavelength to packet services.