Ciena selected by O2

To support a new high-speed nationwide backbone network throughout the United Kingdom, O2, the commercial brand of Telefónica UK Limited, is deploying Ciena’s converged packet optical solutions. With this scalable 100G network, O2 has more flexibility in how the network is controlled and configured and can satisfy growing unpredictable demands for high-bandwidth mobile, video and cloud services. This new backbone network will connect major UK cities, including London, Manchester, Edinburgh and Liverpool, and enable O2 to deliver web-scale services to support massive growth in data centre and network virtualisation demands.

Key Facts:
· This new network, powered by Ciena’s 6500 Packet-Optical platform, and equipped with WaveLogic 3 Coherent Optical Processors, will accommodate several terabits of traffic in O2’s backbone and, at the same time, respond dynamically to any demand changes. The ROADM-based network also provides flexible, low latency connectivity ensuring a superior end user experience.

· Additionally, O2 is deploying the 6500 platform equipped with packet switch modules, which enable seamless integration of packet and optical technologies to reduce total cost of operation and time-to-market for new services.

Ciena’s OneControl Unified Management System will provide O2 with comprehensive service visualisation and network diagnostics, resulting in the efficient use of critical network assets and bandwidth optimisation. O2 is also using a range of professional services via Ciena Specialist Services, including network planning, installation and turn-up services.