CapeNet Selects Ciena’s 100G Coherent Optics and Carrier Ethernet Solutions to Power the OpenCape Network

CapeNet Bringing Highest Speed Fiber Optic Network Transport to Southeastern Massachusetts and Cape Cod

BARNSTABLE, Mass. & LINTHICUM, Md.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–

CapeNet LLC (CapeNet) announced today that it has chosen Ciena® Corporation (NASDAQ: CIEN – News) and Integration Partners (a secure network communications integrator and Ciena BizConnect partner) to provide coherent optical transport and Carrier Ethernet solutions for the 350-mile fiber optic OpenCape Network. The network is currently being constructed in southeastern Massachusetts and on Cape Cod. Ciena’s coherent optical processing lays the foundation to increase network bandwidth from 10G to 100G and beyond.

CapeNet is managing construction of the OpenCape Network, which is on target for completion by January, 2013. CapeNet will provide a portfolio of high-speed, business broadband services over the new fiber network.

Funded through a Broadband Technology Opportunity Program (BTOP) infrastructure grant as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act , the OpenCape Network will support regional businesses, government, education, libraries, research institutions, hospitals and public safety first responders.

On Cape Cod, the network will provide high-speed broadband connectivity to approximately 70 community anchor institutions, to include 30 libraries, five colleges, 15 town network hubs, and six research institutions. Throughout its entire footprint the network offers further opportunities to hundreds of additional anchor institutions and nearly 62,000 businesses.

Shannon Silvus, CapeNet CTO & VP Operations stated, “Demand for high-bandwidth services is increasing at exponential rates and the Cape region is no exception. CapeNet is building a fiber optic network which will serve the region’s communication needs for decades to come.”

Discussing the choice of Ciena, Mr. Silvus said, “Ciena is a strategic supplier with proven leadership in optical transport technology. Ciena is the first company to develop coherent 40G and 100G solutions that are deployable in backbone networks across the globe. Ciena optical and Carrier Ethernet solutions will enable CapeNet to build an agile, scalable network architecture with the ability to increase capacity as needed.”

Stephen B. Alexander, Ciena SVP and CTO, said, “The OpenCape project joins an expanding list of federally-funded BTOP grant recipients that have selected Ciena to power the future of broadband in the United States. Ciena is extremely pleased to have been chosen by CapeNet to bring the benefits of resilient, scalable, next-generation optical transport to this under-served region.”

Mr. Alexander added, “Ciena’s WaveLogic™ Coherent Optical Processors vastly expand capacity without disrupting existing networks, providing simple and cost-effective upgrades from 10G to 40G or 100G, with a clear path to 400G. Our 100G and Carrier Ethernet solutions will help spur economic development by giving the region greater access to high-speed broadband connectivity.”

CapeNet is using Ciena’s 100G coherent optical transport solution on Ciena’s 6500 Packet-Optical Platform as the backbone of the network providing the ultra-high bandwidth service. In addition, Ciena’s 5150 and 3916 Carrier Ethernet Solutions (CES) will provide aggregation and delivery of highly reliable broadband services to CapeNet customers.

CapeNet is also leveraging Ciena’s OneControl network management solution which will provide comprehensive control and visualization of their deployed Ciena Transport and Carrier Ethernet network elements, for seamless multi-layer end-to-end service activation and assurance from wavelength to packet services.

To view a recent press conference about the OpenCape project, click here.

About CapeNet

CapeNet LLC is a joint venture between CapeNet Partners, Inc. and Lightbridge Communications. CapeNet Partners, the managing member, is comprised of seasoned professionals who have extensive experience in building and operating telecommunications networks in the region, and specifically in Massachusetts. To learn more, please visit www.capenet.com.

About Ciena

Ciena is the network specialist. We collaborate with customers worldwide to unlock the strategic potential of their networks and fundamentally change the way they perform and compete. With focused innovation, Ciena brings together the reliability and capacity of optical networking with the flexibility and economics of Ethernet, unified by a software suite that delivers the industry’s leading network automation. We routinely post recent news, financial results and other important announcements and information about Ciena on our website. For more information, visit Ciena BizConnect and www.ciena.com.

About Integration Partners

Integration Partners designs, implements and supports secure, fully converged networks using the best solutions the industry offers. We are an engineering firm with roots in enterprise data networking, staffed by professionals who are certified at the highest levels. Most important, we are deeply committed to our customers’ success from configuration and integration through to support and maintenance of the network. For more information, visit www.integrationpartners.com

About OpenCape and Project Funding

Non-profit OpenCape Corporation’s purpose is to fulfill the need for a new communications network on Cape Cod and the Islands to enhance education, research and economic development, and to provide for an emergency communications network. The OpenCape Network is made possible by a $32-million federal BTOP grant and a total of $8 million in matching funds from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Barnstable County and CapeNet. For more information, please visit www.opencape.com and www.recovery.gov.

Note to Ciena Investors

Forward-looking statements. This press release contains certain forward-looking statements based on current expectations, forecasts and assumptions that involve risks and uncertainties. These statements are based on information available to the Company as of the date hereof; and Ciena’s actual results could differ materially from those stated or implied, due to risks and uncertainties associated with its business, which include the risk factors disclosed in its Report on Form 10-Q, which Ciena filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 8, 2012. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding Ciena’s expectations, beliefs, intentions or strategies regarding the future and can be identified by forward-looking words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “should,” “will,” and “would” or similar words. Ciena assumes no obligation to update the information included in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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