Ciena’s network implementation for BT will follow an aggressive timeline, with the commercial roll-out scheduled to begin by end of calendar 2011. The initial roll-out will include a single photonic layer covering BT’s extensive network throughout the UK.

The intelligent infrastructure will be based on Ciena’s 6500 Packet-Optical Platform equipped with WaveLogic™ coherent optical processors that support 10G and 40G/100G wavelengths working side by side – offering BT a smooth migration path to 100G and beyond, and addressing the network operator’s constantly growing capacity demands.

The 6500 platform will also offer integrated OTN switching with the industry’s most advanced control plane functionality, which gives BT unparalleled network intelligence to optimise support of a wide range of traffic types and seamlessly enable the delivery of groomed wavelength services to its enterprise customers.

In addition, Ciena’s technology will deliver ROADM functionality, which enables BT’s 21st Century Network to require fewer network elements while enabling simplified operations, resulting in a fully agile network that supports differentiated services and significant reduction in operating expenses.

In deploying solutions from across Ciena’s portfolio for transport and switching functionality, including 6500 and 4200 platforms, BT is taking advantage of Ciena’s multi-layer, multi-domain management suite – OneControl – for seamless management. The unified management system will be integrated into BT’s existing operations support systems, offering comprehensive service lifecycle control and monitoring for the entire network.

Ciena Corp. (NYSE: CIEN)