The contract to build Cogent 's network is significant for Cisco.
Optical networks are currently all the rage in the communications industry.
As hardware prices fall and demand for high-capacity networks increases, network equipment firms are jumping at the opportunity to manage the growing amount of data and voice traffic. The company is focused exclusively on providing Net access for businesses, offering high-speed connections at a discount compared with current rates for business connections like T1 lines. Cogent plans to utilize Cisco's internally developed high-end routing equipment, along with gear from the company's Cerent and Pirelli acquisitions. Start-up Chromatis Networks will also provide technology for the upstart's metropolitan links. Dave Schaeffer, Cogent's chief executive, said Cisco beat offers from six companies for its business, including competitors such as Nortel Networks, Siemens and Lucent Technologies.