RETN deploys Infinera Cloud Xpress in Western Europe

RETN has been operating Infinera’s Intelligent Transport Networks for several years to enable construction, modernisation and upgrade of its dense wavelength-division multiplexing (DWDM) cross-border network ring infrastructure in Europe and Russia, including major transboundary routes across Scandinavia and Ukraine.

In 2015, RETN announced deployment of 500 gigabits per second (Gb/s) super-channels using the Infinera DTN-X packet optical platform across its pan-European network. RETN selected the Infinera Cloud Xpress to provide 100 Gb/s DWDM services on two of its routes in Western Europe.

With the Infinera Cloud Xpress, RETN expands its use of high-capacity optical super-channels based on Infinera’s unique photonic integrated circuit technology. The Infinera Cloud Xpress delivers a 500 Gb/s super-channel in a compact, two rack unit appliance for efficient transport of Ethernet services.

Cloud Xpress also incorporates Infinera’s Instant Bandwidth technology to allow customers to software-activate line-side bandwidth in 100 Gb/s increments as and when needed, closely matching their end-customer demands.

In addition, the Cloud Xpress is designed for plug-and-play installation with simplified provisioning and support for data center automation using open software-defined networking application programming interfaces.

“RETN is experiencing growth in high-traffic regional networks across Europe,” said Tony O’Sullivan, RETN COO. “RETN prides itself on being an early adopter of new and innovative technologies. As we upgrade our networks, we turn to innovators in the industry bringing new solutions to the market first, like Infinera. We are delighted to have successfully deployed Cloud Xpress to power our regional networks in Western Europe, enabling us to deliver simple, scalable and reliable services for our customers.”

“RETN's deployment of the Cloud Xpress highlights the value the Cloud Xpress Family delivers to network operators globally,” said Nick Walden, Vice President, EMEA at Infinera. “The Cloud Xpress Family's compact design, ease of use and scalability stand out, enabling operators to grow capacity rapidly while minimising the cost of space and power.”

The Infinera Cloud Xpress Family delivers cloud-optimised metro WDM solutions to cloud service providers, internet content providers, internet exchange service providers, enterprises and other large-scale data center operators.

The Cloud Xpress Family offers customers the choice of 10 Gigabit Ethernet (GbE), 40 GbE and 100 GbE client interfaces to meet their specific requirements. Infinera recently introduced the Cloud Xpress 2 based on the Infinite Capacity Engine, scheduled to be available in the first quarter of 2017.