ADVA Optical Networking’s FSP 2000 forms the foundation for Openreach’s Optical Spectrum Access Services

Platform enables high-capacity WAN and SAN services to end users with need for reliable, secure services across the U.K.

ADVA Optical Networking today announced that BT’s UK-based access network arm, Openreach, is deploying the ADVA FSP 2000 to support its nationwide Optical Spectrum Access (OSA) services. With OSA, Openreach’s customers enjoy very high-bandwidth connectivity between two end-user sites. The services are particularly well-suited for Wide Area Network (WAN) and Storage Area Network (SAN) applications where multiple client interfaces are involved.

“Our customers have exacting demands, which means their service selection must be versatile and reliable enough to meet these demands at a competitive price and on a timescale that is realistic for the end customer,” said Richard Thorpe, connectivity services general manager at Openreach. “We chose the ADVA FSP 2000 to support our OSA services because customers demand lower lead times and the flexibility to offer multi-speed, multi-protocol services that are supported by the latest DWDM (Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing) technology. ADVA Optical Networking solutions enabled us to offer a short delivery lead time and at the same time cost-effectively support our customers’ strict Service Level Agreements (SLAs), which gives customers the security that their services are reliable and always proactively monitored.”

Launched on January 1, 2009, OSA services provide secure, uncontended bandwidth for communications provider customers. It’s ideal for those who require high-bandwidth point-to-point connectivity for their own end customers. Offering a range of client protocols and interfaces over 2.5- and 10Gbit/s DWDM wavelengths, OSA enables the most advanced data mirroring and data protection services over distances of up to 35km radial. Helping end-user enterprises to comply with a range of different regulatory requirements present in today’s business landscape while maintaining the ability to scale traffic demands over time depending on business needs, OSA services can be offered over diversely routed fiber paths between two end points. OSA services also support the most demanding data center connectivity requirements, thereby enabling state-of-the art applications like cloud computing and virtualization.

ADVA Optical Networking’s FSP 2000 is a WDM system specifically designed for enterprises and service providers that require a flexible, cost-effective system that multiplexes, transports and protects high-speed data, storage, voice and video applications. The product has been qualified with all the world’s major storage vendors, which makes it an ideal solution for the delivery of high-availability enterprise SAN connectivity. The platform also contributes to cost reductions due to its lower power requirements and smaller footprint than competitive devices.

“Openreach continues to innovate in its service offering, with a strong focus on reliability, flexibility and service excellence,” stated Reg Armitage, ADVA Optical Networking’s senior vice president sales. “Bandwidth-hungry end users continue to drive advancements in networking technology, and ADVA Optical Networking is pleased to be a part of the OSA portfolio that enables Openreach to deliver the highest-capacity connectivity to its demanding customer base.”