Consolidated Communications Enlists Ciena for 5G Network Support

Consolidated Communications just teamed up with Ciena to create a “5G-ready” network.

The companies say the partnership allows Consolidated to deliver Ciena’s FlexEthernet-based slicing to improve network performance. Consolidated will deploy Ciena’s Adaptive IP platform, which includes routers and a networking platform that allow for “standards-based IP connectivity and network slicing.” These features will align with 5G xHaul, a transport solution that integrates fronthaul and backhaul traffic.

Consolidated Communications’ Tom White

“Anticipating the impact 5G will have on our lives, Consolidated is preparing our network to handle the next-generation of connectivity. Working with Ciena allows us to incorporate automation and analytics capabilities into our network so we can deliver the 5G services our customers are demanding,” said Tom White, Consolidated Communications’ chief technology officer.

Consolidated Communications provides a fiber network that spans 46,300 miles and 23 states.

Additional Details

Ciena will also lend its domain controller and software for multidomain service orchestration and route optimization and analysis. As a result, Consolidated can leverage improved analytics to make applications more effective. In addition, it can more easily fix IP service problems.

Bruce Hembree, Ciena’s vice president and general manager of sales in the Americas, said Ciena’s solutions will help Consolidated Communications “reduce network complexity and create a superior experience.”

Ciena’s Bruce Hembree

“As Consolidated Communications navigates the journey to 5G, they need a network that can adapt to fluctuating bandwidth demands and handle advanced services and applications critical to our digital lifestyle,” Hembree said.

Ciena in the same week also announced partnerships with Lightstorm Telecom Ventures, an India-based network operator.

Ciena last summer teamed up with Windstream to support Windstream’s National Converged Optical Network.

Consolidated announced a new agent program in March 2020 and later partnered with distributor Pax8.