wiredinUSA May 2013

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Illinois Fiber Resources Group (iFiber - a coalition of local government, university and not-for-profit organizations) is deploying Ciena Corporation’s converged packet optical and packet networking platforms throughout its regional fiber optic network in northwestern Illinois. The deployment will provide Community Anchor Institutions in previously underserved locations with advanced ethernet service delivery and a cost-effective means to transport data services at speeds of up to 100G and beyond. “With iFiber, we intend to bring economic development and information exchange to community anchors and, ultimately, with the help of ISPs, businesses and homes, at speeds not possible with the existing infrastructure,” Fiber optics in Illinois

said John L Lewis, chairman of the iFiber board of directors. “Ciena has been a key contributor to this project from the onset, providing design and consultation services, as well as a full suite of 100G coherent optical transport and packet networking capabilities that allow us to meet the needs of underserved cities, counties and commercial entities throughout the region,” he continued. Chad Whalen, vice president and general manager of Ciena’s North America field operations, said: “iFiber is a great example of government, education and the private sector coming together to bring broadband connectivity and economic opportunity to their local communities.”

wiredInUSA - May 2013

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