Global Network News: Juniper and Level 3

Juniper Networks is selected by GTT Communications and EVA Air to help speed and simplify networks, and Level 3 begins construction of a new undersea cable to enhance global connectivity options in Cali, Colombia.

Juniper selected by GTT for 100GE global offering. Juniper Networks (JNPR) announced that GTT Communications has selected Juniper to help power its offerings of 100GE capacity on a global scale. The GTT high-IQ network uses Juniper MX series routers and the latest generation of high-density MPC4E line cards. As part of a corporate-wide initiative to simplify its operations, GTT standardized its network on the Junos OS, which has allowed it to streamline its entire network from edge to core. By utilizing the automation capabilities of Junos OS, GTT can rapidly deploy new service offerings faster, and automate corresponding back-end office operations to support and monetize the offerings in a timely fashion. "The growth of video and other bandwidth-intensive applications has made scaling our network capacity and optimizing provisioning lead-times absolutely critical elements when selecting our network infrastructure, said Richard Steenbergen, chief technology officer at GTT Communications. "As a leading cloud networking service provider, we must innovate to keep pace with the increasing demand for low-cost bandwidth, while continuing to deliver the reliability and quality of service that our customers have come to expect. Standardizing on Juniper technology gives us a competitive edge, and the flexibility that we require to offer customized services in a crowded marketplace."

Juniper also announced that EVA Airways has successfully deployed a high-IQ network to support its data center and campus operations based on Juniper's high-performance Ethernet switches. Juniper's next-generation switching infrastructure has enabled the airline to increase the performance, reliability and scalability of its network while simplifying operations and reducing costs. EVA Air also selected Juniper EX Series Ethernet Switches to replace all of its complex access network switches and legacy three-layer architecture within its headquarters complex, creating a more manageable, scalable and functional infrastructure.

Level 3 begins construction of undersea cable in Colombia. Level 3 Communications (LVLT) announced the construction of a new undersea cable, connecting Colombia to its international network. The terrestrial segment of the cable in Colombia is being constructed in conjunction with EMCALI (Empresas Municipales de Cali), a state-owned utilities services company in Cali, Colombia. The new subsea route ensures that Colombia’s International connectivity will be enhanced by the addition of a Pacific submarine cable connecting Colombia and removing the reliance on traditional connectivity via the Caribbean Coast. EMCALI will use capacity over Level 3’s undersea cable network to connect the country directly from Cali to major cities in the Americas, such as, New York, Los Angeles, Mexico City, Santiago de Chile, Buenos Aires and São Paulo.  “Our collaboration with Level 3 on this project fits perfectly into our strategic regional plan and focuses resources on each company’s core business. Additionally, the importance of the U.S.-Colombia FTA (Free Trade Agreement) and the Pacific Alliance make EMCALI the ideal partner to join with Level 3 on this project, highlighting EMCALI as a leader in providing telecommunications services for the region and countrywide,” said Oscar Pardo, managing director of Emcali.

Level 3 also announced that it has signed an agreement with Cinemark Brazil, to enhance the efficiency of Cinemark's communications systems by providing the company with Internet services in Sao Paulo to support connectivity to its VPN (virtual private network) of 67 movie theater complexes, which are distributed throughout 35 Brazilian cities. "Level 3´s scalable, efficient and reliable IP network can provide our customers with fast and dedicated global access to business systems and applications," said Marcos Malfatti, senior vice president of Sales for Level 3 in Brazil. "Level 3's advanced Internet backbone provides Cinemark with a seamless experience, whether uploading or downloading information between its theaters, as well as the added assurance of dedicated network security, management and 24/7 technical support to help the future growth of its business."