Nortel Builds Calgary Optical Ethernet

OTTAWA -- Nortel Networks (NYSE:NT)(TSX:NT) and ENMAX Corporation, through ENMAX Envision, a member of the ENMAX group of companies, today announced completion of one of the first metro area networks in Canada based entirely on Optical Ethernet.

The network leverages ENMAX Envision's extensive fiber infrastructure, simplifying operations and facilitating delivery of optical broadband services to local businesses. Using the Optical Ethernet network, ENMAX Envision offers high-bandwidth data services targeted to customers' specific needs, such as private line in, transparent LAN extension, dedicated Internet access and business continuity/disaster recovery solutions.

ENMAX Envision recently added Nortel Networks OPTera Metro 1400 Ethernet Service Module to the network, expanding the service offering to include Ethernet Virtual Private Network (VPN) capabilities. These capabilities provide greatly increased scalability while ensuring security and quality of service.

"We needed a networking solution that gave us the flexibility to tailor our services as needed to meet the unique requirements of our customers," said Richard Turski, general manager, ENMAX Envision. "Nortel Networks proven optical solutions have enabled us to surpass our networking requirements, offering high-bandwidth services in flexible increments and expanded service offerings."

The Optical Ethernet network involved the creation of three DWDM rings, connecting substations throughout the city using Nortel Networks OPTera Metro 5200 Multiservice Platform. Nortel Networks Passport 8600 Routing Switches provide Gigabit Ethernet connections into the metro DWDM network, with Nortel Networks BayStack BPS 2000 providing high-density Ethernet access at the customer premises.

ENMAX Envision is currently expanding the network to include recently announced enhancements to Nortel Networks Optical Ethernet portfolio, designed to drive Ethernet services growth. OPTera Metro 1400 allows ENMAX Envision to use a cost-effective, shared infrastructure to extend services reach to multi-tenant buildings, and to provide managed VPN service with the same ease of operations, security and reliability of a dedicated solution. With the network expansion, ENMAX Envision implements a scalable solution capable of supporting thousands of end customers per metro area.

"As the operating environment changes, utility and energy services companies increasingly need to differentiate themselves through new service offerings," said Marco Pagani, president, Optical Ethernet and Storage Solutions, Nortel Networks. "Nortel Networks Optical Ethernet solutions allow customers such as ENMAX Envision to offer high-bandwidth connectivity, which in turn enable more advanced services like VPNs, firewalls and voice over IP that are very attractive to enterprises today."

As part of Nortel Networks enterprise technology vision, "One Network. A World of Choice," Nortel Networks optical solutions for the enterprise offer an unmatched scalable, simple and resilient infrastructure to increase the competitiveness of enterprises as they seek a profitable and responsive business model for serving their clients and customers.

Nortel Networks provides a complete set of simple, scalable and secure Optical Enterprise solutions to assist the utility sector in maximizing their networking investment by increasing bandwidth, improving network resiliency and providing new service opportunities. By implementing these solutions, utilities can achieve reduced network complexity and improved total cost of ownership by converging multiple disparate networks over a common infrastructure. Additionally, they can leverage their assets to generate new revenue opportunities through the delivery of next generation Optical Broadband Services including Optical Ethernet and storage connectivity.

Nortel Networks Corp.