It is critical that IT leaders have the flexibility to choose the most cost-effective solutions that best meet the needs and security of their mission.

Global IT and network transformation services provider NEC Corporation and AI-driven networks focused firm Juniper Networks have worked with Algeria Telecom to roll out “its modernised, nationwide IP metro commercial network” in order to support current demand for increased capacity, as well as future needs driven by 5G and FTTx.

According to Algeria Telecom, it has formed a mid-term strategic plan to implement a transport network “with a homogenised, optimised topology as well as automation capabilities that guarantee bandwidth and future-proofing of its infrastructure in a growing market.”

“NEC and Juniper have successfully delivered Algeria Telecom's next generation IP metro network while ensuring quality of service, driving toward the best possible user experience, at scale,” reads part of a statement released to the media.

As the innovative foundation of the new platform, Algeria Telecom has selected high-performing, secure solutions from the Juniper Networks portfolio “for SDN-ready, cloud-grade networking and feature-rich, simple and secure connectivity at scale”, deployed as access nodes to create separate pre-aggregation, aggregation and access domains for optimal reliability.

The companies explained, “Elements of the Juniper Paragon Automation cloud-native solution suite, Paragon Pathfinder and Paragon Planner have been deployed, enabling Algeria Telecom to achieve deep visibility and simplified operations of its network and services. This paves the way for assured user experiences within complex 5G and multi-cloud services. All of the Juniper platforms run on a single operating system, Junos OS, to create an easily-managed, simplified and open solution.”

NEC served as a ‘one-stop network integrator’ and orchestrated the project. The company leveraged its extensive transport network integration and engineering capabilities to deliver best-in-class solutions that the company described as “dynamically tailored for Algeria Telecom's requirements.”

The alliance has enabled the necessary coordination between parties to help Algeria Telecom achieve its objective “… of providing a high-capacity innovative network to accommodate surging data traffic and a future of diversified 5G use cases.”

Adel Bentoumi, CEO of Algeria Telecom, said, "The successful completion of the IP metro network modernization project by our partners, NEC Corporation and Juniper Networks, will allow us to make the migration to IPV6 and the initiation of digital transformation, as well as the implementation of high speed internet, as we best satisfy the needs of Algeria Telecom customers.”

Allahoum Hocine, Head of IP Core, Algeria Telecom, added, "The rapid growth of network traffic is a clear indication of the need for modernisation and expansion of network capacity. NEC and Juniper have been extremely attentive to our needs, both technical and commercial, working as an extension of our team with their outstanding local engineering abilities, as well as their relentless efforts to assure quality of experience and on-time delivery. Overall, the innovative solutions from Juniper to enable this automated metro cloud architecture have helped us achieve our strategic goals and thrive as we pave the way for 5G."

Brendan Gibbs, Senior Vice President, Automated WAN Solutions, Juniper Networks, said, "Networks have always been a key asset for service providers, but going forward they will be the foundation for every aspect of business transformation in the 5G and cloud era. Algeria Telecom is jumping ahead of the curve by investing in an open, agile and automated network architecture that can drive simplified operations, improved economics and superior end-user experiences.”

Hideyuki Ogata, General Manager, Service Provider Solutions Department, NEC Corporation, added, "Our customer-first approach and uncompromising quality are values that are deeply ingrained in our culture. This, combined with our accumulated domain expertise at the NEC 5G Transport Network Centre of Excellence (CoE) in EMEA, makes us confident that our extended engagement through this partnership will help enable continuous success and advancement of Algeria Telecom's business."