TelstraClear Core Network Supports 100G for Ultra Fast Data Speeds

TelstraClear installed next-generation optical equipment to enable its intercity transmission network to carry multiple light signals at speeds up to 100 Gigabits per second (Gbps). Supported by technology from Ciena Corporation (NASDAQ: CIEN), the converged optical Ethernet network specialist, TelstraClear has now tested the core network links at these data speeds.

TelstraClear Chief Technologist William Lee said the data speeds were the fastest ever achieved on an intercity telecommunications network in New Zealand. TelstraClear’s existing network leverages Ciena’s coherent solutions at speeds up to 40 Gbps. 

“The trials prove that now we can now go up to 100 Gbps and begin engineering solutions for customers based on the availability of those speeds on the core network,” he said. “We might not need them at this stage, but the capacity is there as more customers look for ultra fast downloading or when network congestion becomes an issue due to current sustained rates of data volume growth.”

Mr. Lee said it would be untenable to plan for ultra fast broadband services to New Zealand homes without upgrading the core network in this way. “Our work with Ciena is further proof that TelstraClear fibre networks run with state-of-the-art equipment and have capability to support fibre-to-the-home services to meet New Zealanders’ aspirations.”

Ciena’s Vice President and General Manager of Asia-Pacific, Anthony Mclachlan, also commented on the achievement: “As a major operator in New Zealand experiencing strong growth in key areas of its business, TelstraClear has confirmed its ability to maximise and extend the value of its existing network investment using our proven 100G technology. This in-service upgrade results in faster time to market and a competitive edge in network capacity, performance and service delivery.”

TelstraClear’s existing core network is based on Ciena’s Optical Multiservice Edge (OME) 6500 platform. By simply inserting 100G cards into the OME 6500, TelstraClear is able to deploy 100G wavelengths alongside existing 40G and 10G wavelengths and thereby carry live customer traffic without needing to re-engineer any fibre routes or wavelengths.

Mr. Mclachlan continued: “Our work with TelstraClear extends our unmatched experience and market leadership in deploying 100G coherent technology in live networks over extended distances and diverse operating environments on land and under the sea.”

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About Ciena

Ciena specializes in practical network transition.  We offer leading network infrastructure solutions, intelligent software and a comprehensive services practice to help our customers use their networks to fundamentally change the way they compete. With a global presence, Ciena leverages its heritage of practical innovation to deliver maximum performance and economic value in communications networks worldwide. We routinely post recent news, financial results and other important announcements and information about Ciena on our website. For more information, visit www.ciena.com.

About TelstraClear

TelstraClear is a voice and data company, providing innovative market leading products, services and customer focus to the business, government, wholesale and residential sectors.

Note to Ciena Investors

Forward-looking statements. This press release contains certain forward-looking statements based on current expectations, forecasts and assumptions that involve risks and uncertainties. These statements are based on information available to the Company as of the date hereof; and Ciena's actual results could differ materially from those stated or implied, due to risks and uncertainties associated with its business, which include the risk factors disclosed in its Report on Form 10-Q, which Ciena filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 10, 2010. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding Ciena's expectations, beliefs, intentions or strategies regarding the future and can be identified by forward-looking words such as "anticipate," "believe," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "should," "will," and "would" or similar words. Ciena assumes no obligation to update the information included in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.