XO Communications (News - Alert) recently announced it will improve its regional and metro networks with Ciena Corporation’s Packet-Optical Transport technology. The enhanced network will enable XO to provide its customers with high-speed, high-capacity, next-generation optical transport and business Ethernet services.

Both companies will also collaborate to provide XO's customers with 100G managed wavelength services.

"XO Communications is committed to providing cutting-edge communications solutions to our customers with exceptional service, performance and value,” said Randy Nicklas, senior vice president and CTO at XO Communications. “When we looked to upgrade our metro and regional networks to 100G, we sought an experienced, innovative partner that could help us serve our customers, and also attract new business. Ciena's coherent optical technology with integrated OTN switching gives us the ability to cost-effectively deliver a wide range of custom services and applications to our varied customer base with speed, flexibility and assurance, as well as the ability to go after new markets.”

XO Communications provides its extensive customer base with managed network, IP communications and IT infrastructure solutions. To differentiate its metro and regional service offerings, XO will leverage 6500's integrated OTN switching capabilities.

The company will be able to deliver a combination of both new and existing services and protocols which include OTN, SONET, Ethernet and Fibre Channel, and managed wavelength services at 1G to 10G, 40G and 100G speeds and beyond.

To provide cost-effective configuration within its metro and regional networks, XO Communications will use the 6500 in multiple chassis sizes. To address future requirements, XO Communications expects to use Ciena's OneConnect Intelligent Control Plane software over the 6500 to ensure automation of provisioning and enhance its metro network management via mesh restoration.

Ciena is also extending its OneControl Unified Management System, among a host of other professional services including ongoing testing and support to XO Communications.

Post the deployment, XO Communications has begun the delivery of services over its improved network for customers across New York City. The company is expecting to upgrade its service offerings to high-growth regions in the coming 12 months.

Furthermore, XO will include the 6500 within its carrier managed services portfolio, expanding its go-to-market relationship with Ciena.

Want to learn more about the latest in communications and technology? Then be sure to attend ITEXPO West 2012, taking place Oct. 2-5, in Austin, TX. Stay in touch with everything happening at ITEXPO (News - Alert). Follow us on Twitter.