Intelligent Data Centres Issue 14 | Page 9

NEWS Ciena unveils 5G innovations to fuel next wave of mobile connectivity iena has added several new products and capabilities to its 5G Network Solutions aimed at reducing network complexity and fuelling operators’ migration from 4G to 5G – from radios to data centres and everything in between. Ciena’s unique and open approach uses intelligent automation, next-generation routing platforms and advanced professional services to support the delivery of differentiated 5G C services, such as eMBB (enhanced Mobile Broadband), mMTC (massive Machine- Type Communications) and ultra-reliable Low-Latency Communications (urLLC). In alignment with customer demand, Ciena is focused on openness as a key attribute of its 5G solutions. Its new 5G-optimised routers allow Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and wholesale network operators to meet the low- latency, high-performance demands of fronthaul, midhaul and backhaul (xHaul) transport with an open network slicing- capable architecture. Additionally, with new 5G software automation features from Ciena’s Blue Planet, including network slicing and dynamic planning, operators can offer, measure and report on different SLAs based on specific customer needs and further simplify network buildouts to support 5G small cell deployments. Steve Alexander, Chief Technology Officer at Ciena, said: “Ciena has been at the forefront of creating some of the industry’s most advanced wireline networks and our open 5G Network Solutions build on that heritage, giving operators the ability to choose the right solutions for their needs and to create a more adaptive network. Operators can now move to 5G with minimal risk and the ability to rapidly generate a greater return on their investments.” Natilik moves Barratt Developments to the cloud with SD-WAN atilik has announced it is extending its relationship with Barratt Developments with a five-year Wide Area Network contract, built on Cisco’s industry- leading Software-Defined Wide Area Network technology. N Barratt Developments is one of the UK’s largest housebuilders. This new investment will provide Barratt with the agility to quickly respond to business demands while maintaining an intelligent security position for its workforce. The agreement covers 37 sites across the country, deployed on the UK’s largest Ethernet network, provided by Exponential-e, Natilik’s long-term connectivity partner. The solution allows Barratt to improve performance by reducing bottlenecks, mitigating the risks of downtime while continuing to maintain a secure network as more services are consumed via the cloud. This is www.intelligentdatacentres.com achieved while providing the Barratt network team with full visibility and control of the network through a single user interface. Ade Brant, Group IT Director from Barratt, said: “Implementing innovative SD-WAN technology is key to our IT transformation in order that our offices, developments and field-based workers have fast and reliable access to our increasingly cloud-based applications. Natilik has proven over the years to be a high-performing and trusted partner and I’m looking forward to working with it on this exciting part of our transformation.” Alp Kostem, Channel Director, Exponential-e, said: “Barratt Developments is the country’s most recognisable residential property developer and we’re supporting that reputation by providing Ethernet across 37 UK sites. Our partnership with Natilik ensures that its industry-leading SD-WAN solution is being buoyed by a strong and reliable Ethernet network and Barratt will benefit from enhanced agility and performance across the locations.” Issue 14 9