Cyan will use its Z-Series packet-optical hardware for the upgrade, and initial deployments are already underway in a number of Windstream’s main markets.
When complete, Windstream expects to be able to offer advanced IP services to SMEs, as well as high-speed Ethernet broadband services to residential customers.
“Windstream makes technology investments that are directly in line with supporting both the company’s long-term growth and the critical use cases of our customers,” said Randy Nicklas, CTO and EVP of engineering at Windstream.
“Upgrading from 10G to 100G capacity across our regional and metro networks…will allow Windstream to utilise network resources efficiently and provide best-in-class services to our customers.”
Cyan and Windstream share a long-standing relationship, with Cyan’s Z-Series packet-optical platforms an important part of Windstream’s network architecture.
The Z-Series is now expected to support a variety of high-performance applications across Windstream’s footprint, as well as increase density and reduce space and power requirements by providing 100G technology in a single slot.
“Windstream is clearly taking the leading in evolving their regional and metro networks to 100G and we’re proud to support them in this transformation,” said Mike Hatfield, president at Cyan.
“This evolution was discussed early in our relationship with Windstream and it’s exciting to see it now coming to fruition.”
In recent months, Windstream has also made a number of changes to its employee base with the appointment of a new chief executive, as well as a new chief financial officer and several additions to its board of directors.
