Verizon to Deploy Next-Generation 100G Metro Network in U.S.

NEW YORK, March 24, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Continuing to lead in 100G technology, Verizon is moving to a next-generation 100G metro network in the U.S. that will deliver improved scalability, functionality and efficiency.

To meet Verizon's mission of offering its customers high-capacity video and wireless solutions, the company will modernize its metro optical network, using scalable, packet-optimized transport solutions from Ciena and Cisco. Using these 100G flexible CDC ROADMs will enable Verizon to advance and scale its network while maintaining existing services and reducing service-activation times as well as network operation and maintenance costs.

"Deploying a new coherent, optimized and highly scalable metro network means Verizon stays ahead of the growth trajectory while providing an even more robust network infrastructure for future demand," said Lee Hicks, vice president of Verizon network planning. "Ciena and Cisco met not only our technology requirements but the aggressive timeline to deploy our next-generation 100G-and-above metro network."

Verizon will test and deploy Ciena's metro-optimized 6500 packet optical technology and the Cisco Network Convergence System on portions of its 100G metro network this year, with plans to turn up live traffic in 2016. Supplier volumes will be guided by ongoing testing, support and performance.

"In today's Web-scale world, advanced, next-generation metro networks with high degrees of packet convergence and software intelligence are critical to the future of connecting increasing amounts of content to users," said Francois Locoh-Donou, senior vice president, Global Products Group at Ciena. "Leveraging the latest capabilities in our 6500 platform for metro applications where density, scale and cost are equally important, Verizon will benefit from an end-to-end solution that can deliver a truly on-demand experience for its customers."

Said Kelly Ahuja, senior vice president of Cisco's Service Provider Business group: "Verizon and Cisco are long-standing technology and business partners, and we are pleased to play a key role in Verizon's optical network modernization program. Cisco has made key investments in next-generation optical technologies to enable Verizon to realize its vision to transform its network architecture to achieve the speed and operational efficiency required to meet the demands of today, while capturing growth opportunities over the next decade."

This new architecture gives the company the same advantages in its metro network that it has seen in its 100G long-haul network, including increased capacity, superior latency and improved scalability. Verizon is a leader in 100G technology, having successfully completed several industry firsts, beginning in 2007 with a successful field trial of 100G optical traffic on a live system.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ), headquartered in New York, is a global leader in delivering broadband and other wireless and wireline communications services to consumer, business, government and wholesale customers. Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, with more than 108 million retail connections nationwide. Verizon also provides converged communications, information and entertainment services over America's most advanced fiber-optic network, and delivers integrated business solutions to customers worldwide. A Dow 30 company with more than $127 billion in 2014 revenues, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of 177,300. For more information, visit www.verizon.com/news/.

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SOURCE Verizon