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Ciena announced agreements to acquire Omnia Communications and Lightera Networks on March 15, 1999, in stock transactions intended to expand its optical-networking capabilities for telecom carriers. Ciena later reported approximate closing values of $483 million for Omnia and $459 million for Lightera; together, those figures total about $942 million. The often-cited “nearly $1 billion” figure was a contemporaneous estimate based on Ciena’s share price at the time, not the same measure as the later closing values.
Why did Ciena buy Omnia and Lightera?
Ciena sought to broaden its offerings to telecommunications service providers beyond dense wavelength-division multiplexing (DWDM). Contemporary reporting described the acquisitions as extending into SONET transmission and optical path routing, while Ciena’s LightWorks initiative placed them within a wider optical-network architecture strategy. EE Times reported on the strategic expansion, and Forbes covered the move at the time.
What did Omnia and Lightera contribute?
Lightera: optical core switching
Ciena described Lightera Networks as a developer of carrier-class optical core switches for fiber-optic networks. In the merger, Ciena exchanged its common shares for Lightera shares and assumed outstanding options and warrants, according to its filing on the completed transactions.
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Ciena described Omnia Communications as a developer of carrier-class optical-access solutions. Its filing says Omnia focused on solutions for public telephone operators using metropolitan fiber-optic access and transport networks. Ciena acquired Omnia shares in exchange for Ciena common stock and assumed stock options. The company descriptions and announced stock consideration also appear in Ciena’s announcement filing.
#1 Best Overall
- Exquisite Packaging: The fiber fusion splicer tool pouch comes in a beautifully crafted package, making it easy to carry and store, allowing users to access it conveniently whenever needed.
- Comfortable Handle Strap: The reinforced handle strap is tear , ensuring high load bearing capacity and durability even against drops and falls.
- User Friendly Design: The tool bag features a user friendly layout and organization, making it easy for technicians to quickly locate the necessary tools and accessories for efficient and accurate fiber fusion splicing.
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- Nylon Material: Made of premium nylon material, this tool pouch is strong and wear for a long service life, withstanding heavy duty uses.
How much did Ciena pay?
The figures differ because announcement estimates and later closing values use different reference points. Both transactions were stock swaps, so an estimate based on Ciena’s share price at announcement need not match a retrospective value reported after the mergers closed.
| Measure | Omnia | Lightera | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contemporaneous announcement estimate | Per-company allocation varies among contemporary accounts; EE Times reported a combined estimate of $980 million based on Ciena’s stock price at the time. | Per-company allocation varies among contemporary accounts; EE Times reported a combined estimate of $980 million based on Ciena’s stock price at the time. | $980 million, as reported by EE Times; an announcement-date stock-price estimate. |
| Approximate closing value reported by Ciena | $483 million | $459 million | About $942 million, calculated by adding Ciena’s two approximate values; Ciena did not state this combined total as a separate figure. |
Ciena’s filing gives the approximate per-company closing values. The combined closing figure above is arithmetic, not a separately published Ciena valuation. Contemporary accounts differ in how they allocate announcement estimates between the targets, so the $980 million report should not be treated as a definitive per-company breakdown. Ciena’s SEC filing also confirms the transaction history.
Rank #2
- Pet-Proof Armored Cable for Everyday Reliability — Designed with a stainless steel armored tube and LSZH jacket, this SC/APC to SC/APC single mode cable resists crushing, bending, and even pet chewing. Perfect for homes with active pets, tight conduits, or wall pass-throughs where standard fiber easily fails.
- Stable OS2 Performance for Smooth Home Internet — Using G657A1 or G657A2 bend-insensitive fiber, this single mode OS2 jumper delivers stronger FTTH stability in tight bends and corners, with low insertion loss and excellent return loss for streaming, gaming, remote work and smart-home devices.
- FTTH-Friendly for Clean Home Network Upgrades — Ideal for relocating fiber equipment from the basement to the living room, improving Wi-Fi coverage, or extending a fiber run through a weak-signal area. Supports Verizon Fios, AT&T BGW320 All‑Fi Hub Fiber, Google Fiber, and other SC/APC-based FTTH systems.
- Plug-and-Play Fiber Connectivity — Installer-approved for residential and light commercial use, this armored SC/APC cable works instantly with ONTs, media panels and rack systems — no setup, no tools, no compatibility problems.
- Bonus SC/APC Coupler & Zip Ties for Hassle-Free Setup — Includes a matching SC/APC coupler for quick line extensions or equipment relocation, plus zip ties for neat routing along baseboards, inside cabinets, or behind entertainment centers. No extra accessories needed — cleaner installs from day one.
When did the acquisitions close?
Ciena announced both agreements on March 15, 1999, but the mergers closed on different dates:
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- Omnia: July 1, 1999.
These completion dates and approximate values are reported in Ciena’s filing on the completed mergers.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- TOOL STORAGE BAG: This storage bag can be used to store fiber optic tools, such as optical power meter, fiber cold splicing tool, fiber optic cutter, etc.
- NYLON: The tool storage bag is made of excellent nylon cloth, which is and , wear and scratch
- BOTTOM AND BUCKLE: The bottom of the tool storage bag can be expanded to 14cm, and 2 strap buckles can secure the bag when not in use.
- LARGE CAPACITY: This tool bag has a large capacity, can hold small tools or accessories, such as pliers, screwdrivers, and mini flashlights, etc.
- PORTABLE DESIGN: This carrying bag has a portable handle for easy carrying at any time, and design to prevent items from being lost or dropped.
Rank #4
- PLUG AND PLAY: Simply plug in optical port and RJ45 port, plug and play with no software installation or configuration needed.
- AUTO NEGOTIATION: Auto-negotiation RJ45 port supports Half-Duplex/Full-Duplex transfer mode and auto-MDI/MDIX.
- HIGH PERFORMANCE: This computer networking transceivers is fully compatible with 10/100/1000 Base-T Ethernet connections.
- VISUALIZED INDICATORS: Easy-to-view LED indicators provide status to monitor network activity easily.
- LONG TRANSMISSION: For different types SFP modules, the FX port can extend fiber distance up to 12.4 miles(30km) for single mode transmission, extend fiber distance up to 1,800 feet(550m) for multi-mode transmission. But its specific parameters should depend on the performance of the optical module.
Rank #3
- Function: can measure 8 standdard wavelengths 850/980/1300/1310/1490/ 1550/1625/1650nm , test range: -50dBm~+26dBm, Integrated OPM, VFL, and RJ45 Functions.
- Support lighting,Support automatic shutdown,Support backlight selection, Support wavelenghth memory function,Support user calibration.
- Support FC/SC/ST universal interface,Support RJ45 testing,Support simultaneous disply of linear mW and non-linear index dBm.
- Integrated OPM, VFL, and RJ45 Functions,Test precision, fine workmanship, easy to carry,completely replace the optical power meter and red pen 2 products. Come with English manual
- Notice:The product uses two AA dry batteries, but they are not included in the packaging.Lifetime Friendly Customer Service,if have problem,pls contact us.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
