Nokia and Windstream enable next-generation IP network with 400G-capable architecture

Nokia and Windstream enable next-generation IP network with 400G-capable architecture

Press Release

Nokia and Windstream enable next-generation IP network with 400G-capable architecture

With Nokias FP4-enabled core network, Windstream will boost IP network capacity with deterministic performance for a top-quality subscriber experience

Core upgrade will connect all Windstream customers across its nationwide network, from mobile to residential broadband to enterprise networks

Rural connectivity enhancements assist during COVID-19 network capacity demands

8 July 2020

Little Rock, AR - Nokia and Windstream, a leading provider of advanced network communications and technology solutions in the U.S., today announced they have completed the initial sites for a nationwide core IP network enhancement. Windstream selected Nokias 7750 service router (SR) platform to significantly expand capacity across its core routing network as it prepares for next-generation broadband and 5G services.

Windstream is replacing its legacy core router platform with Nokias 7750 SR-7s, an IP router platform offering high-port densities at both 10G and 100G interfaces, with software-defined network capabilities to enable quick and easy transitioning to 400G as capacity needs arise. Nokias advanced routers will enable Windstream to support 5G interconnectivity and a tremendous growth in backbone traffic driven by an increase in mobility applications, video streaming, gaming and other high-capacity demands like remote working.

Nokias 7750 SR-7s routers are powered by highly programmable FP4 network processors designed to enable deterministic packet forwarding for consistent performance at full scale. The 7750 SR-7s is a modular system and line card architecture with economic licensing and universal optical connectors to provide Windstream scalable system capacity and increased flexibility to optimize any network location for superior performance and a best-in-class subscriber experience.

The full core enhancement encompasses Windstream's nationwide network, which Nokia and Windstream expect to complete by late 2021. Nokia and Windstream have implemented the first four network sites, located in Dallas, Chicago, Atlanta and most recently in Ashburn, Va. The fifth is scheduled for New York City and is expected to be completed by the end of this year.

While the project is only one-third complete, Nokias SR-7s routers have already proven their ability to meet Windstreams core network requirements in the three live sites. Windstream experienced a surge in network traffic during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, with some areas experiencing a 30 percent increase. With Nokias scalable routers in place, Windstreams core network performed without interruption to its customers.

Buddy Bayer, Chief Network Officer at Windstream, said: Windstream is thrilled to work with Nokia for this next-phase national IP core build-out. We continue to see tremendous growth in network traffic and the need to deliver more throughput and higher capacity to our customers is critical. Building out this backbone with Nokias 400G-capable routers will allow us to stay ahead of our customers' network needs.

Ricky Corker, President of Customer Operations, Americas at Nokia, said: Nokia is excited to enhance our longstanding relationship with Windstream and really put the power of our FP4 chipsets to work. Taking a lead in 400G technologies is paramount to Nokia's focus, and giving higher levels of connectivity to Windstream's wholesale customers, especially when so urgently needed throughout COVID-19, is a source of pride for us at Nokia.

Resources:

Webpage: Nokia FP4 network processor

Webpage: Nokia 7750 Service Router

About Windstream

Windstream Holdings, Inc., is a leading provider of advanced network communications and technology solutions. Windstream provides data networking, core transport, security, unified communications and managed services to mid-market, enterprise and wholesale customers across the U.S. The company also offers broadband, entertainment and security services for consumers and small and medium-sized businesses primarily in rural areas in 18 states. Services are delivered over multiple network platforms including a nationwide IP network, our proprietary cloud core architecture and on a local and long-haul fiber network spanning approximately 164,000 miles.

Additional information is available at windstream.com or windstreamwholesale.com. Please visit our newsroom at news.windstream.com or follow us on Twitter at @Windstream.

About Nokia in the U.S.

Our network solutions securely connect over 90 percent of the U.S. population with the support of more than 10,500 U.S.-based employees. With five U.S.-based R&D centers, including the world-renowned Nokia Bell Labs, we deploy 5G networks and cloud-native software with all major U.S. communications service providers and provide mission-critical private networks for U.S. enterprises and public sector agencies. For the latest information on Nokia in the U.S., please visit us at https://nokia.ly/north-america and follow us on Twitter @NokiaNAM.

About Nokia

We create the technology to connect the world. Only Nokia offers a comprehensive portfolio of network equipment, software, services and licensing opportunities across the globe. With our commitment to innovation, driven by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs, we are a leader in the development and deployment of 5G networks.

Our communications service provider customers support more than 6.4 billion subscriptions with our radio networks, and our enterprise customers have deployed over 1,300 industrial networks worldwide. Adhering to the highest ethical standards, we transform how people live, work and communicate. For our latest updates, please visit us online www.nokia.com and follow us on

LINK:	https://www.nokia.com/about-us/news/releases/2020/07/08/nokia-and-wind...
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