Axians (Portugal) - Nokia announced its first optical switch contract in Portugal with Redes Energeticas Nacionais (REN), the Portuguese Transmission System Operator (TSO), which has renewed its optical transport network using Nokia's packet DWDM/OTN technology as part of its telecommunications network transformation program.

The deal follows the successful 2018 implementation of the Nokia DWDM/OTN technology for datacenter interconnection and therefore is relying on a trusted relationship with Nokia and its partner Axians Portugal. It was a two-year project that met all the requirements and followed the initial plan throughout a period full of constraints and logistical restrictions due to the pandemic.

REN’s optical transport layer connects more than 25 gas and electrical substations with 1,600 km of optical fiber around the entire country. Nokia’s DWDM/OTN solution supports network slicing to guarantee capacity and latency for operational communications services up to 100 Gigabit Ethernet speeds, ensuring a high-capacity long-haul transmission layer in REN´s private telecommunications network.

Axians Portugal was the prime contractor in the project and was awarded a public tender. Axians scope included the overall project management, Nokia hardware supply, other hardware supply such as cabinets, optical cabling and electrical infrastructure. Axians is also responsible for field work consisting of surveys, equipment installation (DWDM + cabinets, cabling, etc.), patching, and on-site testing procedures.  Lastly, Axians manages service migration and decommissioning of the previously existing network and a 10-year 24×7 maintenance contract with on-site replacement.

Axians Portugal is a certified Nokia partner with specialization in the field of optics (DWDM) It hopes to continue developing new opportunities with Nokia, particularly for utility customers, where Nokia’s portfolio fits the customer’s needs for mission critical network infrastructure.