NETWORKS

The Ontario Research and Innovation Optical Network (ORION) and Juniper Networks today announced that ORION has selected Juniper Networks M120 Multiservice Edge Router for the second phase of a network upgrade that will enable ORION to expand its advanced connectivity services. ORION, one of the world's largest and most advanced fully optical research and education networks, is expanding to 5,800 kilometers from its current 4,300-kilometer span. Juniper's new M120 routing equipment is to be installed by the end of March 2007 at ORION Points of Presence (PoPs) in Peterborough, North Bay, Toronto and London, Ontario. Juniper Networks was selected following a Request for Proposals for a significant network upgrade, which includes 700 kilometers in new fiber, optical and next-generation routing equipment. The first phase of the new link, turned up on Dec. 15, allows ORION to break out along the North Bay to Peterborough route to new communities including Orillia and Huntsville. The second phase of the project, from St. Catharines to London, will allow break-outs at Vanessa, St. Thomas and Middleport. "The benefit of selecting Juniper Networks routing technology is its ability to cost-effectively deliver new and innovative services to all our members regardless of location," says ORION's Senior Director of Engineering and Network Operations, Sam Mokbel. "The M120 routing platform supports new Internet protocols and applications, and enables ORION to customize services to meet each of its members' requirements." The upgrade is very important to ORION's users, says Mokbel, who notes that new links add critical back-up and resiliency to the network. "Networks such as ORION play an important role in the research and development communities, and Juniper has a long history of providing the advanced networking solutions to meet these demands," said Tim Lambie, vice president, Americas International, Juniper Networks. "We are very pleased ORION has selected our M120 routers to expand the services it offers to research and educational institutions throughout Ontario." Juniper Networks M120 is the industry's most feature-rich and scalable multiservice edge routing platform, featuring unique architectural innovations that deliver superior redundancy, interface scalability and performance. The M120 offers 10 Gigabit density with a flexible and cost-effective service configuration that enables traditional and mobile telecommunications providers, cable operators and large enterprises to more efficiently migrate to next-generation, converged IP networks.