WaveSmith Networks announced three additions to its Distributed Node (DN) multiservice switching platform: MPLS support, a new Multiservice Forwarding Module and a higher capacity switch for larger central office (CO) deployments. WaveSmith's multiservice switches are aimed at enhancing existing Layer 2 networks, especially applications such as DSL aggregation, Frame Relay interworking and ATM switching.
- The new MPLS functionality, which is a software addition available on the DN's new Multiservice Forwarding Module as well as the company's original packet forwarding module, provides a means of transporting Layer 2 services over an MPLS backbone. Both modules also support existing native Frame Relay, ATM, and circuit emulations services (CES). The MPLS software adds support for ATM-MPLS interworking, Martini encapsulation, OSPF (RFC 2328), and LDP/traffic engineering. This enables the WaveSmith switches to function as an MPLS label edge router scalable to 32,000 LSPs.
- The new Multiservice Forwarding Module (MSFM) adds support for POS on OC-3/STM-1, OC-12/STM-4 and OC-48/STM-16 , as well as Gigabit Ethernet interfaces. In addition to OC-48 line rate switching, the MSFM supports up to 128,000 virtual circuits per module.
- WaveSmith's newest switch, the DN 8100, provides 40 Gbps of switch capacity for handling up to 16 fully-protected OC-48s while supporting more than 2 million fully-protected virtual circuits -- a key capability needed for DSL aggregation. The DN 8100 provides a port density of over 750 DS-3s and more than 250 OC-3 ports in a form factor measuring 44" in height (25RU). The platform is in-service software upgradeable/downgradeable and offers hot-swappable modules.
WaveSmith said its new high-density switch combined with MPLS capabilities provides carriers with a "Cap & Grow" strategy for their existing Layer 2 networks.
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- Last week, Wavesmith Networks announced a major contract with SBC, which is deploying WaveSmith Networks' DN 7100 multiservice switch to provide DSL aggregation across 200 sites nationwide. The multiyear, multimillion-dollar contract is the largest announced to date by WaveSmith.
- In November 2002, WaveSmith Networks named Thomas Burkardt as its new Chairman and CEO, succeeding founding President and CEO, Robert Dalias. Prior to joining WaveSmith, Burkardt was chief operating officer and executive vice president of Unisphere Networks, which was acquired by Juniper Networks. Before Unisphere, he was co-founder and president of Castle Networks
In October 2002, WaveSmith closed $30 million in third round financing for its DN multiservice switching product family. WaveSmith has raised $84.5 million to date.
