TIM Selects Ribbon to Modernize LightNet Research and Education Network

Ribbon Communications Inc., a global provider of real time communications software and network solutions to service providers, enterprises, and critical infrastructure sectors, has been selected to modernize and extend the University of Trieste’s LightNet Research and Education Network (REN) in partnership with TIM.

Ribbon will deploy its portfolio of E-Line and E-LAN protected services solution, part of its Neptune and Apollo product lines, to deliver enhanced connectivity to the university’s students, faculty and research centers. The company was selected for its outstanding portfolio, proven track record of success, and previous experience in successfully collaborating with TIM.

“Learning environments and research centers have become increasingly digitized or digitally-led, making access to reliable, resilient, and competitive connectivity services essential,” said Giorgio Giorgetti, LightNet Technical Director at The University of Trieste. “Our high capacity connections with the national REN GARR, our cross-border links with Slovenia's REN ARNES, and the use of supercomputers for AI simulation and big data analytics have increased our users’ need for a high capacity, scalable and adaptable network that cost-effectively meets shifting requirements. We’re pleased to be working with Ribbon and TIM for this upgrade.”

The three-year, fully turnkey open project, already underway, will replace the existing legacy network infrastructure deployed in the city of Trieste and the regional extension of the network connecting universities and research centers. The solution leverages the Apollo ROADM (Reconfigurable Optical Add-Drop Multiplexer) dynamic layer for the underlying backbone, and Neptune to deliver E-Line and E-LAN services. Ribbon’s Muse network lifecycle management system will provide the end-to-end management.

“We’re delighted to have been chosen to upgrade the LightNet research and education network with next generation network infrastructure technology. This is our eighth consecutive win in this unique sector with similar projects in the USA and across Europe,” said Fernando Valdivielso, Ribbon’s EVP of EMEA and APAC Sales. “Our high performance, future-proof networking solutions portfolio has demonstrated itself to be particularly well suited to the needs of the REN community worldwide time and again.”