Network News: XO, Level 3, Juniper

Here’s our review of some of today’s noteworthy links for the networking sector of the data center industry:

XO Deploys 100G nationwide. XO Communications announced it has made a major transformation in its nationwide optical network, enabling the company to deploy 100 Gbps optical technology across a long haul fiber network on a nationwide basis. XO used the Nokia Siemens Networks’ Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) network based on the hiT7300 platform. With the 100G optical network platform XO can more efficiently manage the increasing data traffic across its network from enterprise and wholesale customers’ Internet, video, mobile data and cloud-based enterprise applications. “While other telecommunications companies have deployed or tested 100G optical systems across portions of their networks, XO Communications is the first service provider to deploy 100G technology on an operational basis coast-to-coast across its nationwide fiber network,” said Randy Nicklas, senior vice president and chief technology officer for XO Communications. “By making this leap to 100G, XO Communications is taking a leadership role in utilization of optical networking and offering customers the network infrastructure and services needed in order to deliver today’s cloud computing, mobile wireless and Internet video delivery platforms and services.”

Level 3 selected by Time Warner.  Level 3 Communications (LVLT) announced that it has signed a multi-year agreement with Time Warner Cable to expand it's national network. The agreement also includes the delivery of additional core infrastructure services that will enhance the redundancy and reliability of the Time Warner Cable network. "The strength of our Network is at the center of all the services we provide our more than 15 million customers and we continue to expand the reach and capacity, as well as improve the reliability of that network to best serve our customers today and in the future," said Mike LaJoie, executive vice president and CTO for Time Warner Cable.  "Through these agreements, Level 3 continues to be a valuable partner in the growth of our Network's capacity and strength."  Level 3 also announced that it has been awarded a four-year contract with the Forestry Commission, the UK government department responsible for the protection and expansion of Britain's forests and woodlands.

Juniper selected by Turkish Airlines. Juniper Networks (JNPR) announced that Turkish Airlines, Turkey's national airline with over 200 global locations, has upgraded its global network and standardized on Juniper Networks' integrated portfolio of software, switching, security and routing products. Turkish Airlines switched from a legacy fixed-line distributed network to Juniper's high-performance network infrastructure that provides simplified, centralized and secure remote management of its 300 sales offices around the world and support for its voice and data applications including reservations and ticket sales, said Adnan Metin, Head of IT, Turkish Airlines. "Standardizing on an integrated Juniper-based network infrastructure has enabled us to simplify our operations radically and reduce costs while improving security, performance and scalability. We expect to save over $18 million over the next five years as a result of lower telecom, maintenance and support costs."