New Collaboration Between Ciena and Algonquin College Will Empower the Next Generation of Optical Communications Graduates
Posted on Friday, November 2nd, 2012
Tim Audet photographed at his place of work.
Ciena and Algonquin College have marked the start of a new collaboration with the grand unveiling of advanced optical telecommunications equipment which is now installed in Algonquin College’s Ciena Optophotonics Lab.
“Through the Bachelor of Information Technology – Photonics and Laser Technology program, we aim to produce graduates who have hands-on experience with the leading edge technology in fibre optic communications technology,” explains Dr. Wahab Almuhtadi, Research Coordinator & Professor, Faculty of Technology & Trades at Algonquin College. “The optical equipment donated by Ciena will ensure they are receiving practical learning opportunities with technology that is in use in the networks of major telecommunication providers around the world. It also allows for greater collaboration with other educational institutions, laboratories, and advanced research and innovation networks to further their learning.”
The recent launch of the Bachelor of Information Technology – Photonics and Laser Technology program, along with this donation, is significant as the importance of the telecommunications field is growing. Currently, more than one third of the world’s population is online – and growing rapidly – and users expect the network to be fast and always available. To meet these growing demands for bandwidth, technology continues to evolve to provide greater efficiencies across the network for more affordable access to this critical economic tool.
“Technology is changing the world,” says Algonquin College President Kent MacDonald. “It’s changing how we do business. It’s changing how we conduct research. It’s changing how we tell time – just ask a student what time it is and you won’t find them checking their wrist watch but pulling out a mobile device. Their ability to grow, to discover and to innovate is even greater now thanks to Ciena’s donation. It has raised the bar on what is possible and given our students – and our future graduates – what they need to move confidently forward to accomplish their dreams.”
Please follow this link to read the news release on this exciting new collaboration.