Broadwing, OnFiber Launch VPLS

CHICAGO -- Broadwing Communications, LLC, a leading provider of optical network communications services and solutions, and OnFiber Communications, a premier source for optical metro networks, today announced that they have joined forces to deliver a suite of unprecedented facilities-based, Ethernet private network services for the most demanding Fortune 500 enterprises.

As previously announced, Broadwing’s Converged Network was made commercially available on June 1, 2005, giving enterprises unparalleled flexibility by supporting both Layer 2 Virtual Private LAN (VPLS) and Layer 3 Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) VPNs. Broadwing’s joint initiative with OnFiber pairs Broadwing’s Converged Services offering with OnFiber’s complementary, high capacity, Ethernet local access network to deliver a highly flexible and scalable end-to-end solution.

“Yankee Group research clearly shows that enterprise network managers are eager for end-to-end, site-to-site Ethernet solutions beyond the metro. The combination of OnFiber’s metro footprint with Broadwing’s Converged Network, will enable the companies to aggressively attack this expanding new market for Ethernet services,” said Bryan Van Dussen, director telecommunications research, Yankee Group.

After intensive combined testing and evaluation, OnFiber and Broadwing have interconnected their networks in all of OnFiber’s major U.S. markets. This provides a seamless infrastructure for enterprise MPLS WAN communications, complete with jointly developed pricing, monitoring and support processes.

Available for purchase from either carrier, these coast-to-coast VPN services will yield multiple, immediate benefits to enterprise customers, including:

Key to Broadwing Communications’ Converged Services solution is the nationwide all-optical network upon which the Converged Network has been deployed. Leveraging Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) and ultra-long haul, all-optical transport, Broadwing’s unique Converged Network infrastructure provides per-traffic flow quality of service (QoS) to any voice, data or video application over any Ethernet, IP, ATM, Frame Relay or TDM access protocol feeding a single MPLS backbone. The Broadwing Converged Services Network sets a new industry benchmark by supporting both Layer 2 and Layer 3 private networks across a common core with a common network management system. The Converged Services Network is isolated from the public Internet, providing peace of mind to security conscious customers.

OnFiber’s expertise in constructing and operating last mile optical network infrastructure enables the delivery of this state-of-the-art service directly to enterprises’ offices or POPs. OnFiber designs its networks specifically to support high-capacity applications, such as wide area Ethernet, for enterprise operations.

“Customers want a very simple architecture where they can plug into an Ethernet box on their premises and run voice, video and data over that interface without sacrificing quality,” said Scott Widham, president of sales and marketing for Broadwing. “Our relationship with OnFiber delivers just such a service.”

“Because of our vast experience providing carrier grade networks, OnFiber is uniquely positioned to extend Broadwing’s Converged Services Network to OnFiber’s local markets,” said Thom Sumbler, vice president of business development for OnFiber. “Together, OnFiber and Broadwing are delivering a new level of network services designed to meet the requirements of the most demanding of enterprises.”

Broadwing Corp.

OnFiber Communications Inc.