SCIENCE
ICN selects ADVA optical networking for state-wide network
ADVA FSP 3000 to Increase Broadband Access to Iowa Communities
ADVA Optical Networking has announced that the Iowa Communications Network (ICN) is incorporating its advanced optical transmission equipment in a network upgrade. ICN’s authorized users, which consist of K-12 schools, higher education, healthcare, state and federal government, National Guard armories and libraries throughout Iowa, will have improved access from this equipment upgrade. This network will address high bandwidth demands from the many community anchor institutions of Iowa. With the speed and reliability of fiber optics, Iowans will see educational enhancements, improved technology opportunities, and increased economic development.
“ADVA Optical Networking has a long history of building and supporting innovative high-performance networks,” said John Scherzinger, senior vice president of sales in North America. “The ADVA FSP 3000 provides unmatched scalability, flexibility, security and reliability, which adds intelligence to networks, while removing the complexity and cost. ADVA Optical Networking has demonstrated success and many references for state-wide network builds and middle mile networks. We are proud to announce this business relationship, and excited that the speed and innovation of ADVA Optical Networking will enhance Iowan’s online access.”
The opportunity for ADVA Optical Networking was made possible through ICN’s federal broadband grant received in July 2010 through the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP). “The BTOP grants are to stimulate the economy by generating new opportunities to improve broadband in the US, and that it has by permitting the ICN to enhance our fiber-optic network through the acquisition of the latest equipment,” said Joseph Cassis, ICN’s director of business and governmental services.
ICN’s project will boost its network to a 10Gbit/s backbone that will reach all 99 counties in Iowa. The middle-mile network advancement will also provide one 1Gbit/s of symmetrical Ethernet connectivity to education facilities, hospitals, libraries, public safety, workforce development, and other Community Anchor Institutions throughout the state. With ICN’s overall project, almost 1,000 installations over the course of a two-year period will impact 450 new sites, over 560 direct locations, and indirectly strengthen 3,081 locations.