Guernsey ISP Sure to Replace 10G with 100G Core Network

The incumbent broadband ISP and mobile network operator for the English Channel Island of Guernsey, Sure, has today chosen UK technology and network services company telent to help upgrade their existing 10G (10Gbps) network with a 100G Juniper Networks core.

The move follows last year’s announcement of a 5-year plan to invest several million pounds in order to upgrade their sub-sea fibre optic links with the United Kingdom (here), which could increase network capacity to 300Gbps (Gigabits per second).

At present most fixed broadband connections on the island are delivered by a 100Mbps capable Fibre-to-the-Cabinet (FTTC / VDSL) network, which is being improved with the introduction of Very High bit rate Digital Subscriber Line (VHDSL) technology and an expansion of Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) infrastructure.

In keeping with that the States of Guernsey (Government) has a strategy to help bring FTTC/P to more business districts, support the roll-out of 5G mobile and ensure that 85% of homes can access broadband speeds of up to 100Mbps. Suffice to say that all of these changes mean that Sure will need extra capacity in their core network.

Furthermore, to ensure the integrity and security of the network is not compromised, telent will also implement a joint Juniper-Corero Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) solution to provide real time, automated DDoS protection.

Ian Kelly, Sure Group CEO, said:

“The current situation is a clear reminder that telecoms are a key and growing component of our economy and daily lives. This network upgrade is a significant long-term investment to ensure we can continue to meet customer expectations now and in the future. We are pleased to be working with telent which has a long history and strong reputation in the design, upgrade, build and maintenance of critical networks.”

Shani Latif, Sales Director at telent, said:

“Growing data consumption means demand for higher network capacity and speed is growing and service providers must ensure they are delivering on that. This upgrade for Sure will incorporate the latest technologies to ensure a future-proof network, while our experience and knowledge of the service provider market will minimise customer disruption and ensure work is completed efficiently.”

Work on the new project has already started and is expected to be completed by early 2021.