Windstream, Ciena Team On National Converged Optical Network

Windstream says Ciena will support its new National Converged Optical Network (NCON) to keep up with customers’ need for more bandwidth.

Windstream will build its NCON with Ciena’s photonic, coherent optical and intelligent software platforms. Ciena’s WaveLogic 5 will allow NCON to scale and adjust for optimal capacity on any network path.

This new network will provide connectivity across Windstream’s U.S. footprint. Remote work and learning applications, cloud computing and video streaming are driving surging bandwidth demand.

Windstream’s NCON will connect cities across its nationwide network. It will further enable capacity between Windstream’s Tier 1, 2 and 3 markets to major U.S. data centers. Cable landing stations and cross-border gateways also will be within reach.

Differentiated Network for Partners, Customers

John Nishimoto is vice president of business development for Windstream Wholesale.

Windstream’s John Nishimoto

“The digital revolution has created the need for bigger, faster, smarter and safer networks across all verticals. That’s especially in finance, health care, education, retail and over-the-top,” he said. “NCON provides a differentiated network our customers and partners are looking for today, especially by enabling spectrum services, bandwidth flexibility, and performance analytics, including L0 and L1.”

The key drivers for Windstream include open connectivity, modularity and software control.

Windstream will start deploying and turning up traffic on the new network in the third quarter.

“By leveraging the latest next-gen technology, including the software to enable the intelligence, along with over 160,000 miles of fiber across the country, Windstream is able to provide our partners and customers the services and applications they need, the flexibility to migrate and adapt as their business changes, and finally the intelligence and security in a network they need in order to be successful,” Nishimoto said.

Ciena has had an ongoing partnership with Windstream.

“Windstream’s decision to partner with us again and build a world-class network that will span its entire U.S. footprint using our high-performance coherent optics and leading automation software not only demonstrates their industry leadership, but will help them deliver differentiated and innovative services while adapting to the disruptions and demands created by the digital economy,” said Jason Phipps, Ciena’s senior vice president of global sales and marketing.