Bouygues Telecom is turning to virtualisation as it looks to improve its backhaul and aggregation infrastructure.
The French operator is working with Ciena to improve the “efficiency, scalability and reliability” of its current hardware.
After deploying Ciena’s 6500 Packet-Optical Platform, it said it will increase its capacity by 400G, which it said would allow it to support booming demands on its network and deliver new high-bandwidth services.
It added the implementation would help it lay foundations for its shift to 5G, as well as support its growth plans for its fixed network, including fiber to the home.
[Read more: Orange remains cautious on virtualisation as scepticism lingers over reliability]
Jean Paul Arzel, Network Director, Bouygues Telecom, said: “Modernising our backhauling and aggregation networks in addition to our SuperCore network is a major evolution of our infrastructure, allowing us to better service our customers and manage bandwidth demands as users become even more data-centric in their device use.
“Ciena’s 6500 platform is an essential part of both our physical network and our service delivery strategy. It helps us operate in a more scalable and efficient manner by maximising the capacity of our fiber and delivering a core network that will support current and future fixed line and mobile broadband demands.”
Virginie Hollebecque, Vice President, EMEA, Ciena, added: “The rollout of 5G represents a major opportunity on the horizon. Network providers own the delivery of content to users, so they need to ensure they upgrade their networks today to cope with tomorrow’s capacity demands and to position them to capitalise on future market potential.”