Ciena Corp. has announced new products and platforms that are part of an effort to enhance its FlexSelect Architecture approach to network transition. The two-year-old FlexSelect Architecture provides a migration to software-defined, service-enabled transport networks.

FlexSelect for Ethernet utilizes two new Ethernet-based platforms – the 3000 Ethernet Access Series and the 5000 Packet Services Series – to extend the FlexSelect Architecture and enable converged, Ethernet-based networks for the delivery of multiple service types. Features include a mesh-based, multi-layer control panel; a multi-layer network and service-level management; an integration of Ethernet and enhanced OTN and reconfigurable DWDM; and wavelength flexibility.

The 3000 Ethernet Access Series expands service coverage to locations – whether they have copper or fiber network connections, or are on-net or off-net – and provides remote network monitoring and services control.

The CN 5060 Multiservice Carrier Ethernet Platform, an Ethernet-optimized platform, is the first product to be introduced in the 5000 Packet Services Series. It also extends the FlexSelect Architecture, and it enables a transition to converged Ethernet switching in metro and edge aggregation networks, residential broadband aggregation and 2G/3G wireless backhaul.

The CN 5060, the company said, delivers E-Line and E-LAN services, Ethernet Interworking for Layer 2 services, MPLS functionality and support for TDM-over-packet (TDMoP) capabilities to enable service providers to deliver any service over a performance-grade Carrier Ethernet network. Ciena said the CN 5060 is currently in trials with service providers, and will be available later this year.