Ribbon and ECI’s New 400 Gigabit Ethernet Blades Help Deliver Faster Downloads, Reduce Network Congestion, and Enhance the User Experience

New blades support transport across both flex and fixed-grid networks and allow plug and play network upgrades
March 12, 2020

Westford, Mass. and PETACH TIKVA, Israel – March 5, 2020Ribbon Communications Inc. and ECI Telecom Group Ltd. (together, “Ribbon-ECI”), a global provider of global communications software and network solutions to service providers, enterprises, and critical infrastructure sectors today announced the launch of 400 Gigabit Ethernet (400GbE) muxponders (multiplexing transponders) for transport to the new generation of 400GbE router interfaces over the wide area network (WAN). Ribbon and ECI announced the close of their merger on March 3, 2020.

Trends in mobility, the growing adoption of cloud-based platforms and applications and the escalating consumption of video are continuously driving demand for expanded capacity and bandwidth. The forthcoming widespread availability of 5G will only accelerate this pressure, and while today’s router speeds are consistently increasing to keep pace, interfaces to the optical network have remained limited. By offering 400GbE speeds on its TM800E/TM1200E blades, Ribbon-ECI is ushering in the next generation of interface speeds.

Designed for Ribbon-ECI’s Apollo optical networking system, the new blades can instantly boost client interface speeds to 400GbE.  Modulation rates on these blades are programmable, enabling customers to easily maximize transport distance and spectral efficiency on both flexible grid and 50GHz or 100GHz fixed grid networks. TM800E/TM1200E blades are capable of supporting long haul transport deployments of up to 3,000 kilometers and complement Ribbon-ECI’s TM1200, which provides line side flexibility up to 600G.

“By enabling both greenfield flex-grid and brownfield fixed-grid deployment, we are fulfilling our commitment to delivering ELASTIC networks,” said Rafi Leiman, head of the optical line of business at Ribbon-ECI.  “We are making the adoption of 400GbE faster, easier, and more affordable for existing, prospective and future customers.”

Leiman added, “All market indicators suggest that 400GbE routers will experience much faster uptake than previous generations. In fact, we already have orders for these new blades and are planning deployments this spring.”

Ribbon-ECI’s Apollo product line offers a family of optical transport and switching platforms, which interwork seamlessly to provide scalable, high-density and energy-efficient solutions from access to core, with up to 600G (gigabit per second) transmission and 16T of Optical Transport Network (OTN) switching. The Apollo product line is built for smooth, expandable capacity, rapid provisioning, dynamic reconfiguration and intelligent operations.

“The widespread availability of 400GbE is expected to deliver faster downloads, less congestion, and an improved user-experience on both existing networks and new deployments.” added Leiman.

About Ribbon

We deliver global communications software and network solutions to service providers, enterprises, and critical infrastructure sectors. We engage deeply with our customers, helping them modernize their networks for improved competitive positioning and business outcomes in today’s smart, always-on and data-hungry world. Our innovative, end-to-end solutions portfolio delivers unparalleled scale, performance, agility and automation and includes optical and packet networking, core to edge IP solutions, UCaaS/ CPaaS cloud offers, and leading-edge software security and analytics tools. To learn more, visit ribboncommunications.com and www.ecitele.com.

Additional information about the Apollo family of optical systems can be found at: https://www.ecitele.com/productcat/apollo/

Important Information Regarding Forward-Looking Statements  

The information in this release contains forward-looking statements regarding future events that involve risks and uncertainties, including statements regarding the benefits of the adoption of 400GbE. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this release are forward-looking statements. The actual results of Ribbon Communications may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. For further information regarding risks and uncertainties associated with Ribbon Communications' business, please refer to the "Risk Factors" section of Ribbon Communications' most recent annual or quarterly report filed with the SEC. Any forward-looking statements represent Ribbon Communications' views only as of the date on which such statement is made and should not be relied upon as representing Ribbon Communications' views as of any subsequent date. While Ribbon Communications may elect to update forward-looking statements at some point, Ribbon Communications specifically disclaims any obligation to do so.

 

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