Why Has Zayo Selected Nokia to Extend Edge IP Rollout?

Nokia confirms a new collaboration with Zayo to deploy a refreshed Internet Protocol (IP) architecture that expands service coverage and boosts access to cloud, enterprise and data centre connectivity. The companies begin work in New York and New Jersey, with plans to extend to more US markets as part of a broader infrastructure upgrade.

This effort sees Zayo move to a standardised edge network design built on Nokia's equipment, including the 7750 Service Router and the 7250 Interconnect Router (IXR). These platforms support advanced IP features required for wholesale, cloud and enterprise services, and enable integration across access, transport and core layers.

Zayo says its goal is to connect more lit buildings and deliver new services without rearchitecting the core, using a consistent and scalable provider edge strategy.

IP edge upgrade starts in New York and New Jersey

Zayo begins the upgrade with a deployment in New York and New Jersey, where Nokia’s FP5-based platforms serve as the foundation for the edge network refresh. This phase includes the introduction of the 7750 Service Router and the 7250 IXR, both of which support segment routing, traffic engineering and interoperability with enterprise customer edge devices and peering partners.

Provider edge routing refers to the layer in the network that connects enterprise and access networks with the IP core. This routing tier handles service termination, traffic management and routing towards data centres or the cloud. It also manages connections with other networks.

Zayo confirms the move is part of a broader strategy to unify services such as cloud on-ramps, high-speed links and secure data centre connectivity under one platform. The design allows for faster provisioning, reduced congestion and enhanced visibility across its infrastructure.

By centralising these features at the edge, Zayo can increase reach without major changes to the backbone. This makes it easier to add new customer sites, light up buildings and scale capacity across existing fibre routes.

Zayo currently spans over 19m fibre miles and 147,000 route miles. It connects 400 markets and more than 1,500 on-net data centres across the US. The edge refresh is expected to simplify network operations and increase Zayo's ability to respond to customer demand.

Lighting up new buildings at speed

Aaron Werley, Senior Vice President of Engineering at Zayo, describes the shift as a way to stay ahead of market needs. He says: “By partnering with Nokia, we’re setting a new standard for what’s possible in fibre-based connectivity.

“The ability to rapidly light up new buildings and markets on our IP network allows us to more quickly respond to customer demand faster, which is increasingly important in today’s fast-evolving market.

“Nokia’s solution delivers the reliability, performance and agility we need to meet the growing needs of our customers – from cloud providers and data centres to schools and enterprises."

The Nokia routers selected for the project feature FP5 silicon, which the company positions as the processing engine for its IP platforms. This enables operators to support high port densities, expanded routing tables and a variety of service profiles without changing the network footprint.

For Zayo, this means services can be provisioned quickly and consistently across markets, while retaining visibility, telemetry and policy control. The use of common tooling and standards supports service consistency even as the network scales.

Standardised interfaces also simplify interconnection with other networks, which supports transit, peering and wholesale arrangements.

Scaling without redesigning the network

Jeff Valley, Vice President of IP Networks for Communications Service Providers at Nokia, highlights the strategic alignment between the two companies. He says: “This collaboration with Zayo reflects a shared commitment to advancing connectivity and creating new opportunities for digital transformation across industries. It’s also a great example of how Nokia’s technology leadership can accelerate network transformation for our customers.

“With our FP5-based platforms and deep expertise in IP networks, we’re enabling Zayo to deploy services faster, simplify operations, and lead the market with flexible, future-ready infrastructure.

“Together, we’re delivering the kind of innovation that sets a new bar for the entire industry."

Zayo aims to replicate this edge model across dozens of US markets, with plans to connect thousands of lit buildings using the same infrastructure blueprint. The approach allows it to increase performance, reduce potential bottlenecks and build resilience across the network.

At its core, the partnership enables faster time-to-service and gives Zayo the operational agility to scale as needed without impacting service availability. As more buildings come online, Zayo positions its upgraded edge network as a foundation for next-phase growth.