Link Net’s First Media Embarks on a Transformation to Cisco Routed Optical Networking

JAKARTA, Indonesia. – February 8th, 2022 –

PT Link Net Tbk (“LINK”), one of the leading cable TV and fixed broadband internet providers in Indonesia with the brand “First Media”, and Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) announced a network expansion to 400G wavelengths to support increased bandwidth demand from cable and FTTH residential access, metro optical wholesale/ enterprise customers, as well as the new hybrid work environment. Link Net is using Cisco platforms for this expansion to enhance and optimize the overall customer experience. Link Net is the first customer in Indonesia to adopt Cisco Routed Optical Networking.

“Solutions in the market today typically require two or three different platforms to deliver what the company needs, including Link Net. The Cisco Routed Optical Networking solution converges IP and Optical, thus simplifying our network with a more efficient and overall effective solution, and ultimately optimizing the utilization of our capex and opex.” said Marlo Budiman, President Director and CEO of PT Link Net Tbk.

The hyper-connected, distributed world we live in relies on connectivity now more than ever, and IT teams are facing challenges to provide people with optimal digital experiences wherever and whenever they need access.

“Converging the IP and Optical networks is the first step to the future Routed Optical Networking (RON) which is based on open standards. Link Net will benefit from higher and more efficient wavelength utilization and high availability from a more scalable and converged network” said Meygin Agustina, Country Head, Indonesia Service Provider Business, Cisco.

Today, Link Net deploys the Cisco NCS 2015 with 400G transponders in a Flex Spectrum based, colorless-directionless-contentionless DWDM network that leverages spectrum switched optical network restoration. Link Net also deploys the ASR 9000 series routers in both the core and aggregation network with Terabit high-density LightSpeed Plus interfaces for 400GE support.

To support 2.5Tbps in the metro and the expansion to 2.6Tbps for the long-haul network, Link Net will migrate their 100G network to 400G wavelengths by converging their IP and Optical networks. Initial modelling and assessment of Routed Optical Networking has been performed using Link Net’s traffic modelling and capacity planning, resulting in the use of both ZR and ZR+ coherent optics in the ASR router platforms. To gain robust network management, Link Net adopts Evolved Programmable Network Management (EPNM). Meanwhile, Link Net is evaluating Cisco Crosswork Hierarchical Controller, formerly the Sedona NetFusion Solution, as preparation to for multi-layer automation and orchestration tool enabling a smooth migration and ease of operations.

About Link Net – First Media
PT Link Net Tbk (“Link Net”) established in 2000, has a mission to transform lives by providing innovative and exceptional broadband and media services and solutions. As one of the largest operators of fixed high-speed broadband in Indonesia, Link Net provides high-quality pay television services, high speed broadband internet, and data communications under “First Media” brand for residential customers and “Link Net” brand for corporate customers. Link Net owns and operates a network of Hybrid Fiber Coaxial cable (“HFC”) and Fiber-tothe-Home (“FTTH”) that provides high-speed internet access services.

Learn more at www.linknet.co.id (Link Net corporate website), www.firstmedia.com
(residential segment) or https://www.linknet.id (enterprise segment).

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