Arista Networks (NYSE:ANET) announced today that Alabama Fiber Network (AFN), a consortium of eight electric cooperatives, has selected Arista as its provider of routing and switching equipment for its robust middle-mile network project. This initiative delivers affordable, high-capacity and reliable internet access to last-mile providers and large enterprises throughout underserved rural areas across Alabama.
AFN is spearheading a major broadband expansion supported by the State of Alabama through Governor Ivey’s Be Linked Alabama initiative and the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs. The project delivers an over 6,600-mile open-access, middle-mile network, reaching all 67 counties. This critical infrastructure supports communication service providers and community anchor institutions in bridging the digital divide.
As part of the over $340 million investment, AFN selected Arista's high-performance 7280SR3 platform, Ciena’s WaveLogic 5 Nano (WL5n) 400G ZR+ pluggable transceivers and Reconfigurable Line System (RLS).
“Through AFN's middle-mile network, last-mile providers will have the bandwidth they need to bring high-speed broadband to rural Alabamians. This network will not only boost economic development but also improve access to healthcare and education,” said Terry Metze, AFN’s Chief Executive Officer. “We are building a best-in-class network that offers the highest levels of performance and security. Arista's technology is the perfect choice to help AFN achieve these standards."
“The Alabama Fiber Network represents a significant step towards enhanced connectivity and digital inclusion across the region,” said Ashwin Kohli, Chief Customer Officer for Arista Networks. “Both AFN and Arista are driven by a shared purpose of leveraging technology to create positive change. We are honored to be a part of this transformative initiative.”
The Arista 7280R3 routing platforms offer a scalable and adaptable architecture, enabling seamless connectivity across diverse locations. They provide robust automation, routing, and switching capabilities to handle the demands of the extensive network. Additionally, AFN will leverage Arista's CloudVision® platform for streamlined network management, Arista Professional Services for implementation and validation, and enterprise solutions to support customer acquisition.
Arista and Ciena have jointly certified the Ciena WL5n QSFP-DD coherent pluggable transceivers solution. With this solution, Alabama Fiber Networks optimizes cost and power efficiency for transporting broadband traffic statewide at high bandwidth 400Gb/s rates, even across distances of 1,000km. The advanced, adaptable 6500 RLS provides seamless connectivity to any location and future-proofs the photonic infrastructure for emerging technologies.