Why Zayo Has Selected Nokia for IP Edge Upgrade

Nokia has announced that it is working with Zayo to deploy an Internet Protocol (IP) network architecture designed to widen service options and increase reach across Zayo’s footprint. 

The work focuses on provider edge routing and service delivery, with Nokia equipment forming the basis of a multi-market rollout. 

Zayo frames the change as a way for customers to access cloud on-ramps, data centre connectivity and secure high-speed links on the same platform.

The first phase is under way in New York and New Jersey, with Zayo planning to expand to dozens of additional markets and to connect thousands of lit buildings.

Zayo and Nokia extend IP services rollout

Zayo’s footprint spans more than 19m fibre miles and 147,000 route miles. The network connects 400 markets and more than 1,500 on-net data centres. Bringing more of those buildings online through a common provider edge design is a stated aim of the programme.

Provider edge equipment sits between access networks and the core. It handles routing, traffic engineering, service terminations and hand-offs to cloud platforms for data centres and enterprise sites. 

By concentrating service features at the edge, operators can add capacity and turn up new sites while keeping core changes limited.

Zayo says this reduces exposure to single points of failure, minimises congestion and stabilises performance across its IP backbone.

Aaron Werley, Senior Vice President, Engineering, Zayo, says: “By partnering with Nokia, we’re setting a new standard for what’s possible in fiber-based connectivity.

“The ability to rapidly light up new buildings and markets on our IP network allows us to more quickly respond to customer demand faster, which is increasingly important in today’s fast-evolving market.

“Nokia’s solution delivers the reliability, performance and agility we need to meet the growing needs of our customers – from cloud providers and data centres to schools and enterprises."

Nokia 7750 Service Router and 7250 IXR

Zayo is replacing existing provider edge infrastructure with Nokia IP routers. The design uses Nokia’s FP5-based 7750 Service Router and the 7250 Interconnect Router (IXR).

The 7750 and 7250 families support segment routing, traffic engineering and service features used by wholesale, cloud and enterprise customers.

Standardised interfaces allow interconnect with other networks for peering and transit, and with enterprise customer edge devices.

Nokia positions FP5 silicon as the engine for its current IP platforms.

In practical terms, silicon integration helps operators run higher port densities and larger routing tables within the same power and space envelope. For service providers, that translates into the ability to deliver multiple access and transport variants from the same chassis or line card set and to scale without a redesign of the network plan.

The company points to turn-up speed for lit buildings, the ability to add bandwidth in place and common tooling for operations as specific gains.

Those points map to typical provider edge priorities such as automated provisioning, uniform telemetry and policy control across markets.

Jeff Valley, Vice President, IP Networks for CSPs, Nokia, says: “This collaboration with Zayo reflects a shared commitment to advancing connectivity and creating new opportunities for digital transformation across industries. It’s also a great example of how Nokia’s technology leadership can accelerate network transformation for our customers.

“With our FP5-based platforms and deep expertise in IP networks, we’re enabling Zayo to deploy services faster, simplify operations, and lead the market with flexible, future-ready infrastructure.

“Together, we’re delivering the kind of innovation that sets a new bar for the entire industry."