BT has signed a deal that will see networking firm Ciena support the UK firm’s Ethernet Access Direct (EAD) services with a range of packet switch products.
Ciena will provide its E-suite packet switch modules for BT’s local access network business OpenReach, which has been providing EAD products to UK communication providers since 2009.
Jon Hurry, MD of Strategy, Commercial, Portfolio & Policy at Openreach, said: "During this time, market demand for secure, dedicated business connectivity has grown exponentially – literally underpinning the bread and butter of businesses right across the UK.
"Choosing Ciena as our new dual NTE vendor will provide assurance of continuous supply while also maximising opportunities to further develop the capabilities we offer."
The products include the 3916 and 3930 Service Delivery Switches and 5142, 5150 and 5160 Service Aggregation Switches
Openreach will also use Ciena’s Service-Aware Operating System (SAOS) and OneControl Unified Management System, which they claim will improve efficiency.
François Locoh-Donou, SVP of global products group at Ciena, added, "By deploying a simplified, on-demand infrastructure with our packet networking and software solutions, Openreach is ensuring its communication provider customers have access to the support and services they need to be competitive."
