Mzima Deploys Force10 Switch/Routers for Nationwide 10GigE Backbone

Mzima Networks, which operates metropolitan DWDM fiber networks connected to multiple Tier-1 backbone providers, has deployed Force10 Networks' TeraScale E-Series family of switch/routers to anchor its high-performance 10 Gigabit Ethernet backbone. The equipment is used to peer with more than 350 networks in the U.S. and Europe.



By using BGP, Mzima has built a fully routed transcontinental network anchored by points of presence in 10 cities with roll outs planned in three additional cities. The TeraScale E300 offers eight-port 10 Gigabit Ethernet line cards, enabling a high density of 10 Gigabit Ethernet services on the switch. The companies noted that for most service providers, more than 80 percent of the traffic on the network is best effort that requires no special handling and does not command a premium price.



"After working with MPLS, we determined that it was both inefficient and far too expensive to keep up with traffic that is roughly doubling every six to eight months," said Grant Kirkwood, CTO at Mzima Networks. "For our customers, performance and reliability is paramount, and with the Force10 TeraScale E-Series as the cornerstone of our Ethernet network, we know we have the flexibility to meet and exceed their expectations."http://www.force10networks.com/applications/service-provider.asphttp://www.mzima.net