Ciena Drives Videotron New 4K Video, High-Speed Internet Services in Canada

100G next-generation network will meet increasing bandwidth and data center interconnect needs driven by Ultra HD video and colocation services

In its bid to support its recently announced efforts to offer new services like 4K TV and colocation solutions, Quebec-based telecommunications provider Videotron is deploying Ciena’s converged packet optical solution to upgrade its regional and backbone network.

This deployment will allow Videotron to accommodate several terabits of traffic, meeting the surge of bandwidth required by internet and video applications. It will also enable flexible, low latency connectivity that ensures a superior end user experience.

Videotron was the first Canadian telecommunications provider to offer its customers Ultra HD set-top boxes in 2015, and in February 2016, began carrying live sports programs in 4K definition, complementing its library of UHD offerings in movies, television, and more.

In addition, Videotron recently announced the construction of a new Montreal data center to expand its service offerings to the business community, making it what is believed to be the only data center in Montreal designed and built specifically for data hosting.

Videotron is deploying packet optical and software solutions from Ciena, including the 6500 Packet-Optical Platform, which supports service delivery at 100G and beyond. Combined with Ciena’s WaveLogic 3 coherent optical processors, Videotron will be able to provide high speed, low latency connectivity between its Montreal data center and its existing data center in Quebec City, which will allow its business customers access to an expanded portfolio of services, including data hosting.

Ciena’s integrated OTDR will provide greater network visibility and control, allowing Videotron to locate and address potential trouble spots remotely. Through real-time proactive monitoring of the fiber network, Videotron can reduce the risk of outrages and ensure maximum service availability. Additionally, Ciena’s Unified Management System will provide multi-layer network monitoring, and enable rapid and efficient service turn-up and troubleshooting.

“As a trusted service provider throughout Quebec, we at Videotron foresaw the need to prepare our networks for the changing needs of our customers—both consumer and business. Ciena’s solutions will support our competitive strategy to provide the latest and most advanced offerings available – whether it’s for web-scale capabilities such as data hosting services or live, Ultra HD video," explained, Pierre Roy Porretta, Vice President of Engineering, Research and Development, Videotron.

“Providers of internet and video across the globe are feeling the impacts of the spike in bandwidth demand from end users. Videotron understands the role that a reliable, low-latency 100G network plays in supporting a future of rich media, 4K video and web-scale services. Powered by Ciena, Videotron’s network will handle multiple terabits of traffic while remaining flexible and responsive to demand changes," informed, Jason Phipps, General Manager and Vice President, North America, Ciena.