Windstream deploys VIAVI's Remote Fiber Test System

Windstream Wholesale has deployed VIAVI's Remote Fiber Test System (RFTS) into Windstream's Intelligent Converged Optical Network (ICON) to enable dark fiber and wavelength monitoring.  Fiber routes are continuously and proactively monitored to detect cable damage (intrusions, bends, kinks, etc.). This llows Windstream to expand its OTDR capabilities on network routes where in-line OTDR is not available.

VIAVI RFTS includes FTH-9000 adaptive fiber test heads and ONMSi software. This centralized system combines strategically placed test heads in key network locations to constantly sweep the fiber with an OTDR test signal to identify and locate fiber faults and degradations. Incorporating this solution directly into Windstream's Dark Fiber and ICON network enables early detection of fiber breaks, elimination of reactive truck rolls, faster time to repair, and increased transparency of and visibility into a customer's network health and performance. Windstream Wholesale will integrate VIAVI outage and GIS data from the ONMSi platform into Windstream Wholesale's operational and portal software applications.

The capabilities are available on Windstream Wholesale's new high-count long-haul dark fiber builds including Tulsa to Little Rock to Memphis (T-Rock Express), Raleigh to Myrtle Beach to Jacksonville (Beach Route), and Montreal to Albany to New York City (CanAm2).

Customers will be able to leverage this tool in the first quarter of 2024.  

"VIAVI is proud to be a long-term partner to Windstream Wholesale, whose deployment and maintenance teams have relied on our test and assurance solutions to deliver high-quality fiber networks to their customers," said Luiz Cesar Oliveira, Vice President, Americas, VIAVI. "Service providers are increasing efficiency through enhanced visibility and intelligence as well as simplified troubleshooting processes. VIAVI RFTS is delivering capabilities trusted by carriers globally to the Windstream ICON network."