Comcast is future-proofing its core network with the addition of Ciena’s newest 100G technology, which will allow the nation’s largest ISP and cable operator to scale to 400G at some point.

Ciena’s 6500 Packet-Optical Platform, equipped with third-generation WaveLogic coherent optical line interfaces – which it said was the industry’s first software-programmable coherent technology that scales to 400G – gives service providers like Comcast a cost-effective, scalable way to further beef up their networks while supporting continued broadband growth.

With the deployment, Comcast can keep abreast of the growing demand for high-speed, high-capacity services and applications, such as HD video, mobile data and cloud computing. Comcast has been very active in moving services to the cloud, such as its X1 platform, while its high-speed data subscribers increased by 10 percent year-over-year in its most recent third-quarter earnings report.

In addition to helping Comcast evolve its network, Ciena’s gear also creates energy efficiencies by reducing the number of network components, including optical regenerators required in its network.

“Adding Ciena’s WaveLogic 3 to our already installed 6500 Packet-Optical Platforms lets us leverage that investment to deliver more content, faster Internet speeds and enable new cloud-based applications for our customers, while also providing future core 400G scalability,” said Kevin McElearney, senior vice president of network engineering at Comcast Cable. “As we scale beyond our 100G network, Ciena’s coherent optical technology will help us to deliver on our ongoing commitment to maintain and operate a high-performance, feature-rich advanced network.”

Ciena’s coherent optical technology, which is a component of the company’s OPn architecture, gives service providers advanced signal regeneration capabilities and is programmable for capacity, reach and latency.

Ciena is also providing Comcast with network management system capabilities and a range of professional services via its Ciena Specialist Services portfolio, including furnishing and installation.

Ciena and Comcast have done plenty of business together in the past. Comcast has been deploying Ciena’s coherent 40G and 100G technologies across its national fiber network since 2009.

In 2011, Comcast turned to Ciena when it started offering its Metro Ethernet services to businesses.