Optical fiber is now prevalent in communications networks and is used to connect business, residential, and individual users. The backbone of these networks, including those using wireless access devices, is a fiber optic network, aggregating and transporting data. Fiber’s huge information carrying capacity, combined with its relatively low cost and small physical size, have made it the backbone of modern communications.

Except for publicly funded programs to encourage broadband access, it is impractical for most enterprises in need of connectivity to construct their own fiber networks. That’s because, planning, building, and operating a fiber plant requires a large capital investment, a long and often difficult planning cycle, in addition to on-going maintenance expenses. Obtaining rights-of-way, commissioning construction crews, and retaining maintenance services are all tasks best left to those with network building and operations expertise.

For these reasons, banks, insurance companies, healthcare providers, government agencies, and universities are all embracing what IDC called third-platform computing. Widely distributed, highly networked computing and storage resources allow any type of enterprise to engage with its customers, work with stakeholders, reach new markets, and better serve constituents. This has become an essential service for tech-savvy companies and governments that are embracing digital transformation. This transformation requires highly flexible, scalable, and economical network connectivity. For many enterprises, operating a private optical network that connects their facilities, corporate data centers, and cloud service providers offers the best solution…

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