Integra Moves Upstream With Carrier Ethernet

CEN Feature (Aug 16 2011)

1. 

   Integra Telecom is further enhancing its Carrier Ethernet offering, complete with Ethernet-Over-Copper (EoC) and Ethernet-Over-TDM (EoTDM) access methods, across its network to expand its reach to even more customers.  With this roll-out, the Portland, Ore. based communications and IT services provider will continue to serve the small- and medium-sized clients it has serviced since the company was founded in 1996, while also establishing the foundation for current and future products addressing the Wholesale and Enterprise businesses.  The integration of EoC and EoTDM access methods, coupled with Carrier Ethernet standards, provides Integra the ability to deliver transparent Ethernet access to virtually all business in their service area. Integra also continues to focus on maximizing its premier asset – 8,000 route miles of fiber optic cable.

   Integra’s fiber network consists of 3,000 route miles of metro fiber and 5,000 miles of long-haul fiber that span across 11 western states. The network currently serves over 1600 commercial buildings and, with these additional access methods, Integra can now provide Ethernet access to virtually all business in the markets we serve, according to Bryan Adams, senior product manager, Data Services for Integra.

   On August 1, 2011, Integra launched EoC and EoTDM to complement its existing Ethernet over Fiber capabilities for its Ethernet Services product line.  Aimed at satisfying the increased demands of higher bandwidth options, Integra is deploying standards-based, 2base-TL EoC technology in over 120 central offices and EoTDM in over 300 central offices, says Adams. The company’s  goal is to deliver new applications such as cloud services, as well as its voice, video, data and internet applications, on the new platform. 

   Integra has even launched a new microsite, http://www.ethernetcentral.com, that speaks directly to technology buyers of Carrier Ethernet services.  The site addresses the business drivers for adopting Carrier Ethernet, the technical specifications of Carrier Ethernet, and also has an interactive component where site visitors can ask questions of experts in the field.

   “In addition to a lot more bandwidth, implementing the Carrier Ethernet standard across our network will enable us to deliver our managed services portfolio and meet the evolving needs of our customers for cloud connectivity and virtual workspaces,” Adams adds.

   Integra is in the process of migrating all of its metropolitan Sonet and Switched Ethernet rings  to support Carrier Ethernet. The majority of the 1,600+ buildings served are already benefiting from the roll out, says Adams.

   Beyond Better Bandwidth

   Furthermore, Integra has one of the most expansive and dense metro fiber footprints in each of the states that it serves, Adams adds. The company’s immediate focus is increasing the number of fiber fed lit buildings but also recognizes that many customers require bandwidth options that don’t always justify the construction costs associated with fiber delivered offerings.  By offering alternative access methods Integra can provide high bandwidth options with the same level of functionality and reduced costs as those products utilizing fiber access.

   The enhancements to the Ethernet Services product line also expands the offerings Integra can provide to its wholesale carrier customers through Electric Lightwave Inc. (ELI), a wholly owned subsidiary of Integra.  The increased number of access methods available with Ethernet Services provides ELI with the most dense metropolitan footprint of any service provider in the region, allowing them to provide access for other carriers at the lowest rates possible.

   ELI has been selling carrier grade services to the wholesale market since 1990 and is focused on delivering the highest quality access to their customers.  “We are very proud of this new product that allows us to expand our footprint from both an access and bandwidth perspective, offering larger pipes to more locations,” Adams boasts.  

   Bookmark or Share this article

Login to comment.