XO Communications is upgrading its metro and regional networks with packet-optical transport technology from Ciena.

Once the upgrade is completed, XO Communications’ enterprise and wholesale service provider customers will be able to offer high-speed, high-capacity, next-generation optical transport and business Ethernet services across XO’s metro and regional networks. Specifically, XO Communications is deploying Ciena’s 6500 Packet Optical Platform with its WaveLogic coherent technology.

With the 6500’s integrated OTN switching capabilities, XO Communications will be able to scale for a mix of new and existing services and protocols – including OTN, SONET, Ethernet and fiber channel, as well as managed wavelength services – at speeds of 1G to 10G, 40G and 100G, and beyond.

XO Communications said it would deploy Ciena’s 6500 in multiple chassis sizes to cost-effectively address configuration requirements in each metro and regional network. In the future, XO Communications will install Ciena’s OneConnect Intelligent Control Plane software on the 6500 chassis to automate provisioning and management of its metro networks from the core to the edge and leverage mesh restoration to improve network resiliency and service availability.

Ciena is also providing XO Communications with its OneControl Unified Management System and a range of professional services for this deployment via its Ciena Specialist Services portfolio, including ongoing testing and support.

XO Communications recently started offering services on its enhanced network in New York City and plans to upgrade high-growth regions during the next 12 months.

“XO Communications is committed to providing cutting-edge communications solutions to our customers with exceptional service, performance and value,” said Randy Nicklas, senior vice president and CTO at XO Communications. “When we looked to upgrade our metro and regional networks to 100G, we sought an experienced, innovative partner that could help us serve our customers, and also attract new business. Ciena’s coherent optical technology with integrated OTN switching gives us the ability to cost-effectively deliver a wide range of custom services and applications to our varied customer base with speed, flexibility and assurance, as well as the ability to go after new markets. This intelligent, programmable solution also gives us the tools to easily scale our network to meet customer requirements for capacity and speed for many years to come.”