Case Study: Oklahoma Turnpike Authority Achieves Safer, Cashless Tolling with Ciena's Network Solution

The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA) Converts to Cashless Tolling Fueled by Ciena’s Network Technology Solution

The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA) needed to modernize its tolling operations to improve safety, reduce congestion, and support a new cashless tolling model. Its existing network lacked the reliability, low latency, and capacity needed for license-plate recognition, vehicle verification, billing, and DOT video/weather monitoring, while severe Oklahoma weather also created outage risks. Ciena provided the network technology foundation for this transition.

Ciena implemented carrier-grade Ethernet switching with its 5171 and 3926 platforms, MCP software for MPLS network management, and a resilient backup path using the 6500 Packet-Optical Platform. The result was a secure, high-speed, low-latency, and weather-resilient network that enabled accurate toll capture, safer and faster traffic flow, and lower infrastructure and staffing costs. OTA is now converting its turnpikes to cashless tolling over the next 4–5 years with improved revenue assurance and customer experience.

Oklahoma Turnpike Authority