WOW! is teaming with Nortel Networks to build its next-generation network, which will include optical and Ethernet upgrades. The upgrade will aid WOW! in the delivery of its triple play services, particularly VOD.

The optical and Ethernet upgrades will give WOW! customers access to a larger library of VOD titles at speeds faster than the current service can provide. Nortel’s optical upgrade will also give WOW! a better foundation for future service enhancements.

“Nortel gives us the ability to further our customer-centric philosophy by simplifying and improving our network infrastructure in a cost-effective manner, enabling us to deliver new communications and entertainment options to our customers,” said Mike Brody, chief technical officer, WOW!, in a prepared statement.

The WOW! network expansion will serve customers in Illinois, Michigan and Ohio. Network enhancements to support growth and ensure the quality of VOD and VoIP services will rely on the Nortel optical solution for cable operators, including the Nortel Optical Metro 5200, Nortel Optical Multiservice Edge 6500, Common Phototonic Layer (CPL), and Optical Manager Element Adapter Administration (OMEA).

Other enhancements include Nortel Global Services for cable operators, which allows WOW! to focus on core business objectives rather than day-to-day network management, according to Nortel.

Nortel’s Metro Ethernet portfolio, also being used by WOW!, includes multiservice optical and carrier Ethernet solutions. The portfolio enables service providers to address the growth of high-bandwidth video and data applications in their metro, regional and long-haul networks.