ECONOMICS

ROADM Technology Drives Advanced Learning Applications

BCNET has deployed the ADVA FSP 3000 in its high-capacity infrastructure. Connecting over 140 research and higher-education institutions, schools and colleges throughout British Columbia, the diverse path, ring-configuration allows the shared IT services organization to offer leading-edge network services to accelerate research, collaboration and learning. Installed by Charter, one of Canada’s fastest-growing integrators, the new network is built on Reconfigurable Add/Drop Multiplexers (ROADMs) providing BCNET with previously unattainable levels of flexibility.

“This network creates more opportunities for British Columbia’s students and researchers than ever before,” said Marilyn Hay, manager of network engineering. “Distance learning, real-time collaboration and grid computing are just a few of the data-intensive applications that are now supported with significantly higher bandwidth. The key to success here is flexibility.  We chose ADVA Optical Networking because it offers ROADMs at price points where other vendors could only offer fixed OADM solutions. This means we now have an incredibly flexible infrastructure that delivers bandwidth to users when they need it, where they need it.”

Network flexibility and ease of use are critical elements of BCNET’s new deployment. To ensure maximum levels of configurability, Charter has equipped all major network nodes with the ADVA FSP 3000 ROADM technology. These ROADM nodes allow seamless interworking with BCNET’s existing MX series routers from Juniper Networks. Thanks to the interoperability of both vendors control planes, network operation can be automated and processes simplified.

“The research and education community are at the cutting edge of technology,” commented John Scherzinger, senior vice president of sales in North America. “They are continually pushing the boundaries of what networks can do. BCNET is no different and it’s incredible to see how it’s driving forward British Columbia’s position within a global community of learning. By expanding its new network on ROADM technology, BCNET is now able to move quicker than ever before. Providing its students with bandwidth and data-intensive applications when and where they need it will fundamentally change the way in which this learning network shares, collaborates and interacts.”

Working closely with BCNET engineers, Charter offered a solution based on current network needs and future expansion plans. “Our emphasis has consistently been on the customer and delivering the right network solution,” commented Paul Chandler, President of Charter. “We know the importance of technology to the network and we understand that this technology brings great opportunities to the network users. As a long-term partner, we have been able to design a network with BCNET that will grow with the organization and will dramatically alter the tools for online collaboration and learning.”