Geneseo builds redundant and cost-efficient core with Smartoptics

14 Oct 2025 14:36 CEST

Oslo, Norway - October 14, 2025 - Smartoptics, a leading provider of optical
networking solutions, today announced that Geneseo Communications, an innovative
regional communications service provider in Illinois, USA, has modernized its
core network. By using Smartoptics for Layer 1 transport, now separated from
Layer 3 routing, the solution provides cost-efficient scalability, improved
redundancy and simplified operations.

Combining a 120-year history with a focus on innovation, Geneseo Communications
is committed to serving rural communities in Illinois. The communications
service provider has a strong focus on delivering cutting-edge technology to
power high-speed internet, fiber, and wireless solutions for both homes and
businesses. As Geneseo sought to upgrade its aging 10G network, traditional all
-in-one approaches proved costly and complex.

"Clarifying our needs and separating Layer 1 and Layer 3 led us to a far more
compelling Smartoptics solution proposed by our partner Goldfield. The entire
Smartoptics pitch was: 'just plug it in and it'll work' - and that's exactly
what happened. The best part about Smartoptics is that we get simplicity,
capacity and flexibility all in one solution," says Ron Hartman, Central Office
Manager, Geneseo Communications.

Built on Smartoptics open line systems and muxponders, the Geneseo deployment
provides individual 400G rings with 100G dedicated drops to cost-efficient
routers, with only one logical hop back to the core. Using LAG protection, the
design delivers 200G to every location while reducing latency and complexity. In
the next step, Geneseo is planning to extend its network more than 150 miles
east to Chicago with Smartoptics, linking to new transit providers.

"We're seeing a trend in the industry to move away from monolithic, all-in-one
platforms toward separate Layer 1 transport using open line systems. This
approach makes networks easier to manage, more resilient and ready for growth.
Geneseo is a great example of how embracing this shift towards more open
networking solutions provides more flexibility and control, allowing them to
continue setting a high standard for connectivity in rural communities," says
Magnus Grenfeldt, CEO, Smartoptics.

For more information please contact:
Magnus Grenfeldt
CEO
Smartoptics
+46 73-366 88 77
E-mail: 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 and have a global
reach through more than 100 business partners.

For additional information about Smartoptics, please visit
https://www.smartoptics.com/

About Geneseo
Geneseo Communications specializes in delivering cutting-edge connectivity and
communication services and is dedicated to being a strong partner to the
communities we serve. Our main focus is providing high-speed internet services,
fiber optics, and wireless solutions for both homes and businesses ensuring
reliable connections supported by exceptional customer service.  With a highly
skilled team and state-of-the art technology, we are committed to keeping our
customers connected in an increasingly digital world.

More information:
Access the news on Oslo Bors NewsWeb site

657167_Geneseo_Smartoptics_press_release.pdf