Windstream taps Hatteras for Ethernet services

Windstream (NASDAQ:WIN) this week said it has standardized on multi-service boxes from Hatteras Networks to deliver Ethernet services to its customers, primarily over existing copper and TDM infrastructure.

Windstream offers those carrier Ethernet services both in its home territory and in competitive markets. With headquarters in Little Rock, Ark., Windstream offers residential services to more than 3 million access lines across 21 states. On the business front, its Ethernet Business Services are available across 1000 exchanges – or about 98 percent of its ILEC territory, the company said.

To deliver those services, Windstream has standardized on Hatteras platforms to deliver Ethernet service over both copper and TDM infrastructure. Products deployed include the Hatteras HN6100, the vendor’s unified platform, as well as the Hn4000, a purpose-built Ethernet switching and labeling platform that works over single bonded copper; the HN400 Ethernet over copper CPE; the HN500 series of demarcation devices for Ethernet over TDM and NxT1/E1; and HN239 Repeaters for enabling interconnection over longer loops.

The Windstream deployment represents a validation of Hatteras’ multi-service approach with the HN6100, which today delivers Ethernet over copper and TDM and later this year – via the same box – will add fiber-based Ethernet delivery as well, said M. Vijay Raman, Hatteras vice president of marketing and product line management. “We had a lot of feedback from customers to provide an integrated platform; we went ahead and built it,” Raman said, adding that the HN6100’s biggest benefit is that it allows providers to consolidate the vendors it works with to offer Ethernet services.

“They can look at the physical media available to them today and put the best possible service for the lowest possible opex for them,” Raman said. “Later, if they want to put in a fiber ring, they can do that.”

Hatteras said its Ethernet solution supports all Metro Ethernet Forum (MEF) service models, enabling Windstream to support services including transparent local area networks, wholesale offerings and voice over IP.