Alabama Fiber Network Selects Arista Networks for Statewide Middle-Mile Initiative

Arista Networks (NYSE:ANET) announced that Alabama Fiber Network (AFN), a consortium of eight electric cooperatives, has selected Arista as its provider of routing and switching equipment for its robust middle-mile network project. This initiative delivers affordable, high-capacity and reliable internet access to last-mile providers and large enterprises throughout underserved rural areas across Alabama.

AFN is spearheading a major broadband expansion supported by the State of Alabama through Governor Ivey’s Be Linked Alabama initiative and the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs. The project delivers an over 6,600-mile open-access, middle-mile network, reaching all 67 counties. This critical infrastructure supports communication service providers and community anchor institutions in bridging the digital divide.
As part of the over $340 million investment, AFN selected Arista’s high-performance 7280SR3 platform, Ciena’s WaveLogic 5 Nano (WL5n) 400G ZR+ pluggable transceivers and Reconfigurable Line System (RLS).

«Through AFN’s middle-mile network, last-mile providers will have the bandwidth they need to bring high-speed broadband to rural Alabamians. This network will not only boost economic development but also improve access to healthcare and education,» said Terry Metze, AFN’s Chief Executive Officer. «We are building a best-in-class network that offers the highest levels of performance and security. Arista’s technology is the perfect choice to help AFN achieve these standards.»