Like most government entities, you’re probably running a collection of legacy technologies that are critical to your daily operations. One of those venerable pieces of tech might be a legacy TDM network. Although using the latest technologies is attractive, it’s essential to balance that desire with functionality the mission the current network provides every moment of every day. 

You probably have a laundry list of tasks:

• Reduce the total cost of network ownership
• Protect legacy TDM services while supporting traffic from multiple different service types
• Increase customer satisfaction with an Adaptive IP^TM network built with efficient automation, intent-based control, self-optimization, and a programable infrastructure
• Provide access to the cloud

That list might seem overwhelming and next to impossible today with your TDM network. Just contemplating the disruption of upgrading an in-service network can be daunting — to say nothing of the sleepless nights if you actually did it. The good thing is you don’t have to abandon the current network: you can put those long-delayed plans on the front burner and get going today. Ciena can help. 

Heading into the future with Ciena

For over 25 years, Ciena has been helping organizations transform their networks. With the industry’s most powerful network operating system and best-in-class technology, we set the standard for network capability and quality. 

Ciena’s Manage, Control, and Plan (MCP) software brings the network operations lifecycle together with network planning, infrastructure commissioning, service fulfillment, and service assurance all in a single package:  an open intelligent automation portfolio provides deep knowledge and powers adaptive optimization of the network and its services. As a result, you’ll gain efficient and modernized operations that converge IT and network teams and meet the needs of today’s more dynamic, on-demand services.

Ciena supports a range of Layer 1, Layer 2, and Layer 3 services, with operations management capabilities, performance indicators, Metro Ethernet Forum (MEF) & IP compliant technologies, and timing synchronization features.

But technology alone is often not enough.  A key question: is that technology up to the standards governments demand? At Ciena, the answer is ‘yes’; we’ve built an entire enterprise around our government customers, led by people with experience working at the highest levels in a variety of government agencies.

At the top of the list—certifications. You can rest assured that Ciena checks all the boxes in that area. Before we release a product, our verification team executes a suite of tests that matches the operational performance to design requirements then performs regression testing, stress testing, Telcordia, and other certifications as required. At the same time, we address cybersecurity and vulnerability screening utilizing Tenable scans, and ongoing, vigilant monitoring of the Homeland Security National Vulnerability Database for new threats. Most products have NIAP/Common Criteria and/or US DoD JITC certifications.

Up to the challenge

With a dedicated team of government experts, Ciena takes into account the challenges government entities face. We’ve helped deploy packet infrastructures at government sites. We have also enabled agencies to undertake TDM and Ethernet aggregation for critical sensors scattered across test ranges. In addition, we have installed Layer 2 switched infrastructure across government campus installations. Ciena’s packet technologies are ideal for these applications because they meet some of the key challenges that government operations face.

As an example, the evolution from TDM can be tedious at best and harmful to the mission at worst. Ciena has a robust portfolio of offerings to migrate customers onto Ethernet infrastructure. The advantage of our approach is that you can still utilize legacy technologies such as T1, E1, DS1, DS3, and OC3/STM-1 though OC192/STM-64 at the edge. We can carry those data rates and protocols and translate them into packet technology with circuit emulation, including DS0 level grooming. This provides the ability to move to a converged packet infrastructure, while still providing native TDM services to the edge.

For a government network with older infrastructure that is nearly impossible to remove and very expensive to replace, the ability to continue to use older products at the edge without disruption is a significant advantage.

Ready for the mission

The critical nature of government networks means they need to be ready for the future. With Ciena’s combination of hardware, software, and services—along with the arsenal of automation solutions—government enterprises can be assured they can fulfill their mission without having to worry about the network.

Learn more about Ciena Government Solutions here to see how we can help you transform your network.