Adelphia deploys Ciena optical Ethernet platforms for distance learning network

Fiber Optics Weekly Update, Sept 2, 2005

Gigabit Ethernet used to connect 106 school districts across western New York to enable video conferencing, data networking, and other applications

Linthicum, Maryland-based Ciena Corporation announced that Adelphia Communications Corporation, a U.S. cable provider, has deployed Ciena's optical Ethernet platforms across western New York to interconnect 106 school districts serving 189,000 students with a wide range of applications for distance learning, including video conferencing and broadband data networking.

The new applications are an initiative of the Western New York Regional Information Center (WNYRIC), a regional public education organization that delivers a variety of computer and networking services to support instructional and administrative functions of five Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) regions. The five regions served by the WNYRIC include: Cattaraugus-Allegany-Erie-Wyoming, Erie 1 BOCES, Erie 2-Chautaugua-Cattaraugus, Orleans-Niagara, and Steuben-Allegany. These BOCES regions in turn provide cost-effective, shared educational programs and services to 106 school districts in seven counties, including career training for high school students, adult education, and teacher training.

Adelphia is connecting 106 school districts across western New York with Gigabit Ethernet service. The deployment is based on multiple optical Ethernet platforms from Ciena, including the CN 4300 Managed Optical Services Switch; the CN 2200 Managed Optical Ethernet Multiplexer; and the CN 2101 WaveSplicer, a passive CWDM Optical Add/Drop Multiplexer hardened for outside plant locations. Over this converged, multiservice network, Adelphia will provide the WNYRIC the following applications:

--Distance learning--to connect students in multiple school districts via a virtual classroom that combines audio, video, and data capabilities into a rich, interactive learning environment equivalent to all students being present in the same room.

--Internet connectivity & data networking--to be the primary connection between the school districts and the Internet for e-mail, Web, and other traffic.

For further information, contact Nicole Anderson, Ciena Corporation, (877) 857-7377 email: pr@ciena.com