Smartoptics Group AS

Regulatory Filings • Aug 26, 2021

EX Networks chooses Smartoptics open line system for metro network rationalization and expansion

EX Networks chooses Smartoptics open line system for metro network rationalization and expansion

Oslo, Norway - August 26, 2021 - Smartoptics, a leading provider of optical

networking solutions, today announced that UK-based service provider EX Networks

has selected Smartoptics for its network rationalization and expansion.

Service provider EX Networks has offered hosting and data center solutions to

professional organizations in London and the surrounding area since 2008. With a

customer base spanning regional ISPs to multinational enterprises, EX Networks

has recently seen a huge increase in demand for its network services. This is

driving the need for more capacity in terms of both increased bandwidth and

additional metro network sites.

The new network solution combines components from Smartoptics' open line system

solutions to optimize the performance of EX Networks' 200 km of fiber,

connecting a total of 11 sites in the UK and in Europe. The complete solution

includes Smartoptics DCP-1610

transponder (https://www.smartoptics.com/products/transponders-muxponders/) and

DWDM optics along with the DCP-F open line

system (https://www.smartoptics.com/products/open-line-systems/), all designed

for maximum configuration flexibility for EX Networks. With the help of

Smartoptics, EX Networks will be able to rationalize and take back control of

their network links, reduce latency and secure higher network throughput. This

will greatly reduce barriers for the service provider to launch new services for

its business users at a competitive price.

Volkan Dil, Managing Director EX Networks, explains: "We realized that we needed

to rethink our network to make it futureproof and ready for rolling out new

services based not only on 10G and 100G but also 400G. Once we knew what we

wanted, selecting the right vendor was an easy decision. We understood early on

that Smartoptics could offer a unique combination of technical skills, a strong

product portfolio and a thorough understanding of how a business like ours is

run. The way Smartoptics collaborates with us, rather than simply focusing on

shifting boxes, resonates very well with how we want a vendor partnership to

work - and also how we serve our customers."

Based on the future-proof Smartoptics open line system, the new network, will

give EX Networks increased flexibility and cost-effectiveness with plenty of

opportunity to grow - in terms of both bandwidth and support for 400G

connectivity as soon as it is asked for by customers. This opens up new

opportunities for using automation features to easily configure and roll out of

new services.

"Providing networking advice and equipment to EX Networks' metro network

solutions is a perfect fit for Smartoptics. State-of-the art networking for

service provider metro networks is one of our core skill areas. Being able to

create this intelligent network based on our recently launched DCP-F family of

products is yet another testament to the success of our strategy for open line

systems and disaggregated networking solutions," says Magnus Grenfeldt, CEO

Smartoptics.

For more information please contact:

Magnus Grenfeldt

CEO

Smartoptics

Telephone: +47 214 174 00

Email: magnus.grenfeldt@smartoptics.com

About Smartoptics

Smartoptics provides innovative optical networking solutions and devices for the

new era of open networking. Our customer base includes thousands of enterprises,

governments, cloud providers, Internet exchanges as well as cable and telecom

operators. We have an open networking approach in everything we do which allows

our customers to break unwanted vendor lock-in, remain flexible and minimize

costs. Our solutions are used in metro and regional network applications that

increasingly rely on data center services and specifications. Smartoptics is a

Scandinavian company?founded in 2006. We partner with leading technology and

network solution providers such as Brocade, Cisco and Dell EMC and have a global

reach through more than 100 business partners.

For additional information about Smartoptics, please visit

https://www.smartoptics.com

About EX Networks

At EX Networks we pride ourselves in managing and delivering mission critical

hosting and networking infrastructure. For over a decade we've partnered with

clients around the globe to achieve their business objectives by providing

innovative solutions for complex problems.

Our clients range from SMEs and Enterprises to market disruptors in Artificial

Intelligence, Media and Broadcast. We deliver Hosting, Managed Services and

Connectivity services backed by robust Service Level Agreements using

progressive technologies and unmatched technical support.

We operate in a number of carefully chosen data centres across the United

Kingdom and Mainland Europe where we provide Colocation, IaaS, and Network

services. Our privately-owned, carrier-grade MPLS network gives clients a single

provider who can identify and support their business objectives all the way to

the end users.

EX Networks have long standing partnerships with key technology providers

including VMware, Cisco, Dell EMC, Equinix and Telehouse/KDDI. Our staff hold a

number of provider certifications. We have honed our solutions and reference

designs for over a decade.