The pandemic highlighted the need for faster, more reliable internet and data connectivity services, not just for consumers but also for businesses and enterprises. Proactively recognizing this demand, Alaska Communications teamed up with networking systems, services and software company Ciena to bring the reliability and high-speed connectivity services its enterprise and carrier customers need. With its Dedicated Ethernet Services product, Alaska Communications can provide its customers with Ethernet services of 1Gbps to 10Gbps and beyond.

“We’re pleased to work with Ciena to combine its best-in-class networking technology with our passion for serving Alaska businesses,” said Mark Ayers, Vice President, Engineering, Alaska Communications. “With Dedicated Ethernet Services, we enable businesses to efficiently interconnect their sites, as well as increase bandwidth and capacity as their demand grows. By connecting government, healthcare, education and commercial customers with high-speed, reliable and dedicated connectivity, we help foster commerce and better quality of life for Alaskans.”

Ciena Solutions Supporting Alaska Communications

Alaska Communications is using Ciena’s 6500 Packet Optical platform powered by WaveLogic 5 Extreme programmable 800G technology to upgrade capacity between core sites, including across submarine links. They are also utilizing a variety of Ciena’s Routing and Switching platforms (8180, 5171, 5170, 3928) to deploy 1Gbps-10Gbps 5G mobile backhaul services, as well as 8180 routers to upgrade the aggregation network from 10Gbps to 100Gbps.

Alaska Communications has been working with Ciena for years. Previously, the two worked together to upgrade Alaska’s terrestrial and AKORN submarine networks to improve internet access and provide secure, reliable connectivity. With the WaveLogic 5 Extreme technology upgrade as part of Ciena’s GeoMesh Extreme submarine solution, Alaska Communications has increased network capacity by four times from the Lower 48 to Alaska, significantly improving quality of experience for their end users.

Alaska Communications is a leading provider of advanced broadband and managed IT services for businesses and consumers in Alaska. The company operates a highly reliable, advanced statewide data network with the latest technology and the most diverse undersea fiber optic system connecting Alaska to the contiguous U.S., serving as a partner for businesses, schools, health care providers, and state and local governments. Learn more about Alaska Communications here.