Rural broadband provider Gigaclear Networks is beefing up its backhaul network by deploying a 100G transport system powered by optical hardware and intelligent software from US vendor Ciena.
The 100G network will connect multiple countryside locations in the UK to enable Gigaclear’s internet service provider customers to offer advanced services, such as HD video streaming to business and residential end users.
With this network upgrade, rural regions in the UK including Devon, Somerset, Herefordshire and Gloucestershire will benefit from greater access to high-speed service with rapid backhaul connections from London to Bristol and Northants.
Using Ciena’s 6500 Packet Optical platform powered by WaveLogic coherent optics, Gigaclear will scale its network to meet bandwidth requirements and offer a robust infrastructure that is highly scalable and cost-effective.
Ciena is also supplying its Blue Planet Manage, Control and Plan (MCP) domain controller software, which will automate network and service management across Gigaclear’s network and provide real-time visibility into network operations.
“This investment reinforces Gigaclear’s commitment to bring reliable future-proof, ultrafast connectivity to both Broadband Delivery UK and commercial customers using its network,” said Charl Tintinger, technical director, Gigaclear Networks.
“The proliferation of fibre communities and the need for more backhaul capacity as a result of increased data demands requires Gigaclear to have an adaptive network that lays the foundation for future growth,” commented Jamie Jefferies, Vice President and General Manager, EMEA, Ciena.
Gigaclear is deploying gigabit-capable FTTP networks to homes across 22 English counties and currently covers over 65,000 homes and businesses. The network roll-out is financed by private and commercial equity, together with Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK) rural broadband programme public funds (see Pension fund invests in rural fibre provider Gigaclear and Gigaclear celebrates trio of wins under BDUK broadband scheme).