Cyan Inc. has continued its foray into the packet-optical and software-defined networking (SDN) worlds with a deployment at regional U.S. network operator Buckeye Telesystem, which provides communications services to about 7,500 enterprise, government and wholesale customers in the Northwest / North-central Ohio and Southeast Michigan areas. (See Telesystem Upgrades With Cyan.)

The operator is upgrading its TDM-based core transport network with Cyan's Z-series equipment (specifically the Z77 and Z33 platforms), replacing legacy transport gear originally supplied by Xtera Communications Inc., according to a Buckeye Telesystem spokesman.

The deployment, which will also affect the transport network used by associate cable operator Buckeye CableSystem, is expected to be completed by early 2014. No financial details were released, though the Buckeye spokesman described the deal as "very large." (See Buckeye Cable Embraces IPv6.)

The operator also plans to use Cyan's Blue Planet SDN software, specifically the Planet Operate, Planet View and Planet Inventory tools, for its network operations. (See Cyan Spins 'Blue Planet' for SDN.)

For more on Cyan, see:

• Cyan Builds an SDN Club
  
• Cyan Expands SDN Apps
  
• Cyan Works the Big Screen
  
• Cyan's Not Blue Over NYSE Debut
  
• Cyan Drives 100G in Ohio

— John Verity, contributing editor, special to Light Reading