Pannaway Technologies Launches Personal Branch Gateway, Raises $7M

Pannaway Technologies announced availability of its PBG Personal Branch Gateway, an on-premise device that integrates a router, an Internet modem, and firewall together with Voice over IP services, enabling guaranteed voice, video, and data services simultaneously over a single connection. The system is designed for residential and SOHO environments and offers:

• Two toll-quality voice lines with CLASS services such as caller ID, call waiting, 3-way calling, and call forwarding
  
• 
  
  Data services at speeds up to 100 Mbps
  
• 
  
  Two 10/100 Ethernet ports and a full-feature premise router to create separate entertainment and data networks, or a single premise LAN
  
• 
  
  Quality of Service for simultaneous toll-quality voice, broadcast-quality video, and high-speed Internet services
  
• 
  A stateful inspection firewall, NAT, and VPN security services
  

PBG is the first product in Pannaway's Service Convergence Network (SCN) platform, which offers service providers a suite of carrier-class products for end-to-end broadband converged voice, data, and broadcast-quality video. Using the SCN platform, ILECs, and CLECs can offer broadcast video, online gaming, and video-on-demand services over an xDSL infrastructure. Cable TV operators can use the platform to offer voice and advanced data services to customers without deploying Class 5 switch resources. Pannaway says that its systems have been in field trials for several months.


Pannaway' also announced the closing of a $7 million second round of funding from a private investment group led by Robert Levine, founder of Cabletron. The company has now raised a total of $12 million.
http://www.pannaway.com

• Pannaway' was founded in April 2002 and is headquartered in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Many members of the founding management team worked together at Cabletron Systems, Compaq, and Lucent.

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Pactolus and Common Voices to Jointly Develop SIP-Based VoiceXML Voice Mail and Unified Messaging

Pactolus Communications Software, a provider of SIP-based enhanced service solutions, and Common Voices, a provider of carrier-grade VoiceXML-based telecommunications software, entered into a partnership to license both application and platform level software components to each other. The companies will develop voice mail and unified messaging applications for carriers who are deploying converged network infrastructure or line-side VOIP-based network capabilities. The technology will be based on open standards such as VoiceXML 2.0, SIP, and IP.
http://www.pactolus.com
http://www.commonvoices.com

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Cox Deploys Granite's IP Resource Manager OSS

Cox Communications has implemented Granite Systems' IP Resource Manager (IPRM) to facilitate its network migration from a leased network to its own domestic network, and to provide ongoing management. IPRM integrates Cox's IP address information with the physical and logical network, mapping the relationships of all service resources for a complete, intelligent view of the network and Cox's abilities. Additional IPRM capabilities include: Easier and more accurate address space planning based on standard reports and usage statistics including support for SWIP reporting to ARIN (American Registry of Internet Numbers) for additional IP address requests; IP address assignment automation linked to equipment resources; and the ability to maximize the availability of scarce IP address resources and prevent accidental duplication.
http://www.granite.com
http://www.cox.com

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Cisco Integrates Management of Wired & Wireless LANs

Cisco Systems introduced its "Structured Wireless-Aware Network" initiative, a framework for an integrated, highly secure wired and wireless network. Under the framework, a "wireless-aware" switch and router, in combination with a Cisco wireless network, would operate under a common management and security scheme. The framework would enable simplified deployment and operation, centralized control and configuration of thousands of networking devices, the ability to detect rogue access points, fast secure roaming for mobile applications and self-healing capabilities. The Structured Wireless-Aware Network will be integrated in Cisco Aironet 1100 and 1200 Series Access Points (AP), Cisco Catalyst 3750, 4500 and 6500 Series Switches and Cisco 2600XM and 3700 Series Routers. The new capabilities will be available in a two-phase Cisco IOS Software upgrade for the Aironet 1100 and 1200 APs, to be released in Q2 and Q4.


Separately, Cisco introduced the Aironet 1400 Series Wireless Bridge, an IEEE 802.11a compliant outdoor wireless bridge that provides data rates of 54 Mbps supported at point-to-point ranges up to 7.5 miles and at point-to-multipoint ranges up to 2 miles. Through the use of higher gain antennas or lower data rates, extended ranges in excess of 20 miles point-to-point can be achieved.
http://www.cisco.com

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NCNI Consortium Deploys Cisco ONS 15454

The North Carolina Networking Initiative (NCNI), a consortium of North Carolina research-intensive universities is deploying the Cisco ONS 15454 Multiservice Transport Platform (MSTP) in its network to support advanced research activities. NCNI operates an extended 200-km-ring metro-environment backbone architecture that connects Duke University, North Carolina State University, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The Cisco ONS 15454 MSTP integrates DWDM and provides multi-rate transponders and muxponders for TDM, data, storage, and video wavelength services; flexible optical add/drop multiplexers (OADMs); and advanced amplifiers for transmission from tens to hundreds of kilometers.
http://www.cisco.com
http://www.ncni.net

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Vivato Indoor Wi-Fi Switch Completes Trials at Georgia World Congress Center

The Vivato 2.4 GHz Indoor Wi-Fi Switch successfully completed trials at the Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC), one of the five largest convention centers in the US with 1.4 million square feet of exhibit space. The trial determined that just two Vivato switches, mounted on opposite ends of the largest hall, would cover the 14-acre indoor space, while it would take about 10-14 conventional wireless access points, plus cables and switches to cover the same area. The Vivato Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz Indoor Switch combines phased array antennas and radio frequency technology in a flat panel that also includes built-in management, security and deployment tools. Vivato's Wi-Fi Switch System is being evaluated by the Georgia World Congress Center Authority, which operates the Georgia World Congress Center, the Georgia Dome and Centennial Olympic Park, for expanding its wireless networks.
http://www.vivato.net

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Capella Photonics Introduces Wavelength Routing Subsystems

Capella Photonics introduced its 10 port WavePath series of highly integrated, wavelength routing subsystems, which enable the planning and provisioning of DWDM networks via remote and dynamic reconfiguration. This capability will also eliminating the need for sparing wavelength-specific optical modules. WavePath operates at either 2.5 Gbps or 10 Gbps transmission rates, and integrates seven typically discreet functions into a single module. Features include mux/demux, hitless wavelength reconfiguration, dynamic channel equalization (or arbitrary profile), channel power monitoring, wavelength blocking, wavelength connectivity verification, and flexible switching that allows any wavelength(s) to be distributed to any port. The system offers 10 fiber ports: one input, one express output, and 8 service ports. The service ports may be configured as either drop or add depending on the application. The first two products in the line, which will be commercially available in Q3 2003, are:

• WavePath 4500 - designed for metro optical networks, supports up to 45 channels in the C-band at 100 GHz spacing in a factor of 1.2" x 4.75" x 8.5". Priced at $10,000.
• 
  
  WavePath 9000 - designed for long haul and regional applications, supports up to 90 channels in the C-band spaced at either 50 GHz or 100 GHz. Priced at $25,000.

http://www.capellaphotonics.com

• Capella Photonics was founded in December 2000 and is based in San Jose, California.

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HP Selects Broadcom GbE Controllers as Standard Equipment for Desktop PCs

HP has chosen Broadcom Corporation's BCM5782 NetXtreme Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) controllers as a standard component on its HP Compaq business desktop d330 and d530 models. The BCM5782 incorporates fifth-generation 10/100/1000BASE-T Broadcom technology that combines a triple-speed IEEE 802.3-compliant MAC with a triple-speed Ethernet transceiver, a 32-bit PCI bus interface, and an on-chip buffer memory in a single-chip solution. Broadcom noted that it is shipping, NetXtreme Gigabit Ethernet controllers at an annualized run rate of over 20 million units of per year.
http://www.broadcom.com

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IDT Deploys Sonus Networks' Packet Voice Platform

IDT Corporation has deployed Sonus Networks' voice platforms for its next generation packet network. The deployment includes Sonus' GSX9000 Open Services Switch, Insignus Softswitch and the Sonus Insight) Management System. IDT will use the network to deliver SIP-based services. Financial terms were not disclosed.
http://www.sonusnet.com

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Sonus Networks Delivers Suite of Packet Voice Services

Sonus Networks introduced a new set of packet-based enhanced services that are being offered through reseller arrangements with its partners. These new carrier applications for the Sonus voice infrastructure include:

• SMARRT Hosted PBX, which provides standard IP Centrex functionality as well as advanced features such as find-me/follow-me and Microsoft Outlook integration.



• SMARRT Messaging - a voicemail system combined with unified communications capabilities that integrate voice, fax and email in a single location



• SMARRT Prepaid/Postpaid - full calling card functionality



• SMARRT Call Center - which enables carriers to provide network-based multi-media contact centers to enterprise customer



• SMARRT Conferencing - a state-of-the-art collaboration solution



• SMARRT Voice VPN - virtual private networking capabilities and features over packet-based networks.

http://www.sonusnet.com

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BellSouth Evolves its SONET Network with Cisco, Lucent

BellSouth unveiled plans to evolve its SONET infrastructure to a next-generation Multiservice Provisioning Platform (MSPP) architecture using equipment from Cisco Systems and Lucent Technologies. Specifically, BellSouth is using the Lucent Metropolis DMX Access Multiplexer in interoffice networks and end customer high bandwidth ring applications. Later this year it will be deployed for high-bandwidth loop applications. BellSouth will also use Cisco Systems' ONS 15454 MSPP to support new services, such as Gigabit Ethernet. As part of their expanded relationship, BellSouth and Cisco will provide local and long-distance network transport, equipment, professional services and on-site maintenance and monitoring support for both the SMB (small and medium businesses) and Enterprise markets. Financial terms were not disclosed. BellSouth said the new deployments mark significant milestones in its network evolution strategy. Also as part of this plan, BellSouth last month integrated MPLS into its network core and edge. The Cisco 10000 and 12000 Series routers are being used in BellSouth's network edge for IP/MPLS service delivery.
http://www.bellsouth.com

• In May 2003, Lucent Technologies introduced its next-generation SONET access multiplexer for enterprise installations in North America. The new Metropolis DMXplore Access Multiplexer is a single shelf, multi-service access device that enables 16 protected or unprotected DS-1s over an OC-3 interface. The unit, which is designed for fiber to the business and fiber to the curb applications, provides a pre-provisioned set of cross-connections (fixed mapping), which aids in quick deployments. The Metropolis DMXplore is supported by Lucent's Navis Optical Management solution.

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SupportSoft Enhances HomeNet Software for 802.11a/g

SupportSoft introduced a new version of its HomeNet software, which helps broadband service providers to pre-qualify, install, configure and provide ongoing support to subscribers with a home network. New HomeNet features include support for higher bandwidth wireless home networks utilizing the 802.11a and 802.11g Wi-Fi standards, in addition to its support for 802.11b. HomeNet now also enables subscribers to set-up ad hoc networks with other computers on their own home network, as well as on other networks. The software helps facilitate wired or wireless networking while at work, while on the road at Wi-Fi hotspots, and while at the homes of friends and family. SupportSoft said broadband service providers stand to lose an entire year's profit margins if they need to send a truck to service a customer that has trouble with their home network.
http://www.supportsoft.com

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Verizon Expands Deployment of Alcatel DSL Equipment

Verizon has extended Alcatel's DSL equipment supply contract through 2005. Specifically, Verizon will expand its DSL service coverage by deploying additional Alcatel 7300 ASAM and Litespan NGDLC (Next Generation Digital Loop Carrier) products. Going forward, Verizon will introduce Alcatel's newest line of 7300 ASAM ultra high-density central office racks and the 7300 ASAM HDLP (High Density, Low Profile) for remote terminals. All Alcatel DSL equipment in Verizon's network is managed by the Alcatel AMS element management system. Financial terms were not disclosed.
http://www.alcatel.com

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Tollgrade Introduces DSL Test Platform

Tollgrade Communications introduced a new broadband test platform that combines a precision narrowband and wideband metallic testing platform with DSL, ATM, IP, and HTTP performance tests. Tollgrade's DigiTest EDGE can be used to isolate DSL troubles between the customer's PC and DSL modem, the LEC's local loop and DSLAM serving network, and the ISP's data network. The DigiTest EDGE test system, which would typically be deployed with the serving DSLAM, seizes access to the line under test and completes an automated sequence of DSL, ATM, IP, and HTTP connection tests. Tollgrade's DigiTest EDGE is housed in a compact environmentally hardened package, suitable for central office, co-location site, and remote terminal installations.
http://www.tollgrade.com

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Catena Networks Announces Video-over-DSL Solution

Catena Networks announced a video-over-DSL solution that enables carriers to offer "Triple Play" bundled voice, data and video services. The solution is based on Catena's CN1000 Broadband Loop Carrier (BLC) platform, which integrates the functions of a Next Generation Digital Loop Carrier (NGDLC), a video-enabled DSLAM, a Fiber Multiplexer and a packet-ready Media Gateway. Catena's CN1000 BLC provides integrated IGMP and multicasting capabilities, unlike other older DSLAMs and DLCs that need a co-located IGMP router in order to multicast video streams. Catena provides the ability to software-provision video services to any line its BLC serves. A set-top box is used at the subscriber end. At SuperComm, Catena is showing is DSL video network that uses video headend equipment from Entone and VideTele; video middleware from Myrio; and set-top boxes from Entone, Fujitsu Siemens Computers and i3 Micro.
http://www.catena.com

• Catena Networks has raised US$192 million in venture financing since its founding in 1998. The company is headquartered in Kanata, Ontario,
  Canada.
• 
  
  Catena Networks is headed by Jim Hjartarson, a co-founder of the company. Prior to forming Catena, Hjartarson was vice president and general manager at Cadence Design Systems, where he co-founded the Cadence Design Center in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

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Catena Networks Tunes its Broadband Loop Carrier for Fiber Deployments

Catena Networks, a start-up based in Kanata, Ontario, introduced a hybrid copper/fiber local access solution for carriers planning to augment their existing networks with new Fiber-to-the-Neighborhood (FTTN) deployments. The solution consists of new Optical Line Cards (OLCs) and Optical Network Units (ONUs) for Catena's CN1000 Broadband Loop Carrier Remote Terminal. Each Optical Line Card supports four ONUs via fiber connections. Catena's Optical Network Unit extends the POTS+ADSL loop electronics from the CN1000 Broadband Loop Carrier Remote Terminal closer to end-users. This enables carriers to deliver high bandwidth services in greenfield neighborhoods, broadband overbuild applications and remote, low-density rural locations. Each ONU supports 24 ports of integrated POTS+ADSL, narrowband special services and G.SHDSL, and is engineered to support VDSL. Catena's Fiber-to-the-X solutions are compliant with the International Telecommunication Union's G.983 series standards for Broadband Passive Optical Networks (BPONs), and Telcordia's GR-909 requirements for Fiber-in-the-Loop (FITL) access systems.
http://www.catena.com

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Atheros Launches its Third Generation Wireless LAN Chipsets

Atheros Communications, a start-up based in Sunnyvale, California, introduced its third generation, OFDM wireless LAN silicon, featuring significant performance and range boosts, greater security and the ability to operate across 802.11a, 802.11b and 802.11g. Atheros is betting that "multi-mode" capability will eliminate the need to choose among competing WLAN standards and open up the market to the greater number of channels available across the combination of the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz spectrum bands. The wide frequency tuning abilities of the new silicon opens the way for universal clients that adapt for different spectrum requirements in various countries. Specifically, Atheros access point chipsets include European Union-certified support for Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS) and Transmit Power Control (TPC), as well as the draft 802.11h standard. DFS and TPC are now required for operation in Europe and will be added to U.S. requirements as a result of the recently introduced Jumpstart Broadband Act.


On the security front, the new Atheros chipsets implement both Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) and the 802.11i draft security standards in hardware with high-speed encryption engines that support multiple, simultaneous wireless links with both the Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP) and the government-level Advanced Encryption Standard (AES).


The new chipsets also implement Atheros "Super G" and "Super A/G" capability, which uses hardware based data compression to boost TCP/IP throughput on a wireless link to up to 90 Mbps for 802.11a/b/g, 802.11b/g, and 802.11a wireless LANs.


The silicon rollout includes four new access point chipsets:

• AP2X -- which can concurrently support two WLANs, an 802.11a network and an 802.11b, network from the same access point. Atheros' flagship chipset includes a wireless network processor with dual, concurrent MAC/baseband functionality, dual Ethernet ports with switching capability, dual hardware encryption engines and a 220-MHz embedded MIPS R4000-class processor. This chipset also includes two independent radios for both the 5- and 2.4-GHz bands.
• 
  
  AP-X-- which provides configurable multi-standard 802.11a/b/g support, enabling universal wireless connectivity for small-office and medium-enterprise customers who primarily want to use 2.4-GHz technology but have an interest in upgrading to 5-GHz support.
• 
  
  AP-G -- which provides 802.11b/g support for value-priced 2.4-GHz data-centric access points and home gateways.
• 
  
  AP-A -- for high performance access points being designed for video and audio/voice applications.

Atheros is also introducing three new client chipsets, including one with multi-standard 802.11a/b/g support for connecting to any access point (street prices are expected to fall below $70), another for 802.11b/g cards, and a third for 802.11a cards. Atheros claims over 40 designs wins for the new silicon.
http://www.atheros.com

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Avici Offers Multi-Service Line Cards based on Network Processor Architecture

Avici Systems introduced a new series of multi-service line cards for its routing platforms. The MSC Multi-Service Connect cards offer "ASAP Any Service Any Port" software configurability to provide ATM, Frame Relay, POS/PPP and MPLS interfaces on the same card. The MSC line is based on Intel IXP2400 network processors and Avici's routing software. Previously, all Avici line cards utilized custom ASICs. The new line cards can be used with Avici's existing routing platforms. Avici says that the cards offer up to six times the density of alternative fixed-configuration solutions and provide the next level of PoP simplification by consolidating multiple network elements. Avici is offering three port density choices in its new MSC line card family: 8 Port OC-12c/STM-4; 16 Port OC-3c/STM-1; and Hybrid 4 Port OC-12c/STM-4 plus 8 Port OC-3c/STM-1.
http://www.avici.com

• Avici's routing systems are designed to offer 99.999% availability while consolidating core, aggregation, and peering functions onto a single platform.
• 
  
  AT&T has deployed Avici's routers in its core IP network.

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TeliaSonera Selects SupportSoft

TeliaSonera selected SupportSoft to be its strategic software vendor for end-to-end broadband service automation, from installation to ongoing support and value-added services. Specifically, SupportSoft's Service Automation Suite was selected to enhance and extend ongoing support for TeliaSonera broadband customers. SupportSoft's SmartAccess software determines if a customer's computing system qualifies for a broadband connection and then automates the installation process. Finally, SupportSoft's Knowledge Center Suite personalizes the service and support process. TeliaSonera, which currently has over 450,000 broadband subscribers, is the leading telecommunication group in the Nordic and Baltic regions. Financial terms were not disclosed.
http://www.supportsoft.com

• SupportSoft provides service and support automation software to six of the top seven broadband providers in the US.

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Metalink Shows Ethernet over SHDSL and over VDSL

Metalink is demonstrating 10 Mbps symmetric Ethernet over SHDSL. The service configuration uses four copper pairs carrying 2.5 Mbps and each using PAM 16 modulation; or three pairs carrying 3.3 Mbps and each using PAM 32 modulation. Metalink said its solution can carry full Ethernet speed to a distance of 12 kft (4 km). Metalink is also showing its Fast-EoVDSL technology, which uses QAM line coding to enable bit rates of 60 Mbps downstream and 40 Mbps upstream.
http://www.metalink.co.il

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ADC Adds Lightning Protection to HDSL2 and HDSL4

ADC has developed a new LoopShield Enhanced Lightning Protection (ELP) feature for its HDSL2 and HDSL4 modules that allows these products to survive much higher energy surges than currently required by industry standards. The new capability is designed to shunt the lightning surge current away from HDSL equipment, thereby preserving module integrity and allowing service to continue without blown fuses or damaged electronics. ADC said that although industry standard GR-1089 compliance does not require HDSL circuitry to continue operating after a lightning surge, its cards continue to operate well beyond the performance requirements of the industry standard. ADC's LoopShield products are suited for long-reach copper-based HDSLx T1 services and cell site installations. The products are currently in lab trials at a major ILEC.
http://www.adc.com

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ADC Introduces High-Density Copper and Fiber Distribution Frames

ADC introduced two new high-density distribution frames for connecting, protecting, and managing copper and fiber cabling inside central offices. ADC said its FlexDSX Super High-Density Bay allows carriers to conserve up to 30% more floor space than traditional digital signal cross-connect bays. The bay accommodates 84 FlexDSX jacks per panel, up to 18 panels per bay, for a total of 1512 DS1 terminations in a 7-foot rack. Modular jack cards feature dual-monitoring functionality to simplify and speed testing procedures. ADC's new NG3 High-Density Fiber Distribution Frame is designed and tested to Telcordia GR-449-CORE, Issue 2 requirements including OC-192 and OC-768 bit-error rate testing. The frame features hinged 72-position fiber termination panels and can accommodate up to 1440 fiber terminations per frame using standard SC connectors.
http://www.adc.com

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TranSwitch Launches Ethernet over SONET/SDH Mapper

TranSwitch Corporation introduced a new EoS mapper designed to carry 10/100 Mbps Ethernet traffic and Gigabit Ethernet traffic over SONET at an aggregate bandwidth up to OC-12 rates in metro networks. The device leverages low order Virtual Concatenation (VCAT), enabling the flexible assignment of bandwidth to individual Ethernet channels in increments of 1.5 Mbps. TranSwitch already offers similar devices for OC-3 and OC-48. Typical uses include add/drop and terminal multiplexers, Optical Edge Devices (OEDs), multi-service access platforms, edge routers and IP DSLAMs.
http://www.transwitch.com

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Excel Switching Re-Launched Out of Lucent

Excel Switching Corporation is returning to its roots as an independent supplier of carrier-class, open services platforms for communications networks. The company offers a Converged Services Platform that is used to deliver carrier applications such as RBOC voice mail services, pre-paid calling cards, tandem/international gateway switching, multiparty audio conferencing, media server and advanced directory assistance services. The platform is designed to bridge traditional circuit switched networks with next-generation IP networks in either wireline or wireless environments. More than 7,000 CSP systems have been deployed throughout the world. The company will be based in Hyannis, Massachusetts and has 160 employees.


Lucent Technologies acquired Excel Switching in 1999 and since then has operated the business as a division of its OPENet Business unit. As part of its strategic corporate shift towards a smaller, in-house product portfolio, Lucent is selling its Excel division to an investor group led by Soros Private Equity Investors and Oak Investment Partners. Lucent and Excel have entered into a worldwide OEM agreement under which Lucent will act as a sales channel for Excel's products. Lucent will not retain an equity interest in Excel Switching. Financial terms were not disclosed.


Also as part of the deal, Airslide Systems, a start-up developing solutions for signaling over IP networks, will merge into Excel Switching Corporation. Marc Zionts, former president and CEO of Airslide, will serve as Excel's CEO. Airslide's CFO, Bruce Albelda, will be Excel Switching's CFO. J.C. Murphy, former vice president and General Manager of the Excel division under Lucent, has been named Excel Switching's president.
http://www.xl.com

• In August 1999, Lucent Technologies acquired Excel Switching Corp., a developer of programmable switches, for about $1.7 billion in stock (equivalent to $37 per Excel share).

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Agilent to Add Data over SONET/SDH Virtual Concatenation Capabilities to Test System

Agilent announced new support for the testing of SONET/SDH high and low order virtual concatenation on its OmniBER OTN platform. The system provides SONET/SDH/OTN testing at all standard rates from 1.5 Mbps to 43 Gbps, including comprehensive error and alarm generation, overhead access with sequence generation and capture, and jitter generation and measurement. The capability supports design and verification test applications for next-generation SONET/SDH and G.709 OTN devices and network equipment. The OmniBER OTN already supports GFP and LAPS encapsulation, while the new virtual concatenation capability is designed for support of Link Capacity Adjustment Scheme (LCAS), which enables the virtual concatenation group size to be varied in accordance with instructions from the network management system. Pricing for the SONET/SDH analyzer with GFP/LAPS encapsulation mappings and Ethernet payload structures at speeds 2.5 Gbps and below is currently available and priced at $88,000. The virtual concatenation capability will be available as a software upgrade for $20,000 in Q4 2003.


Agilent also announced the OmniBER XM, which emulates up to 192 channels per 10 Gbps OC-192 SONET port and offers simultaneous multi-channel, multi-port support for mixed mappings, error/alarm burst generation, APS service-disruption time measurement, and post-APS connectivity check.
http://www.agilent.com

• Virtual concatenation is a recently defined concatenation procedure that enables data services such as Ethernet to be carried more efficiently across SONET/SDH networks. Virtual concatenation groups individual SONET/SDH containers into a virtual high-bandwidth “link.�? High order virtual concatenation container sizes are 55 Mbps and 155 Mbps, while low order container sizes are 1.5 Mbps or 2 Mbps.

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Agilent Introduces VPLS Test Solution

Agilent introduced a virtual private LAN service (VPLS) test solution for simulation of very large networks and measurement of the traffic forwarding performance of VPLS-enabled routers. The RouterTester 900 provides automatic generation and measurements of VPLS traffic over large topologies. VPLS is an emerging Layer-2 VPN technology that provides Ethernet services between dispersed customer sites over a service provider's network. Routing XS cards for the RouterTester 900 provide emulation of up to 2000 BGP peers per card, with similar performance increases for OSPF and RIP. Interfaces currently available in Routing XS models include 10/100 Ethernet (4-ports), Gigabit Ethernet, OC3c/12c POS, and OC48c POS. Product shipments are expected in September 2003.
http://www.agilent.com

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Juniper and Microsoft Show Streaming Media Content Integration

Juniper Networks and Microsoft are collaborating on a streaming media demonstration at this week's SuperComm 2003 in Atlanta that illustrates integrated service control for premium content distribution. The demonstration utilizes a new "assured experience" plug-in developed by Juniper Networks for use with Windows Media Services 9 Series, Juniper Networks SDX-300, and E-series routing platform. The demonstration also features CinemaNow movie content and several client PCs running Windows Media 9 Series. Various subscriber scenarios and experiences will be showcased via intelligent signaling between the SDX-300 and the Windows 2003 server. Windows Media Services 9 Series in Windows Server 2003 provide subscriber authorization and identify the appropriate bandwidth/QoS levels for movie content. Juniper's routers offer the ability to dynamically implement service options such as bandwidth and QoS at a per subscriber, per application, and per device level.
http://www.juniper.nethttp://www.microsoft.com

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Infineon Enhances Multi-Standard ADSL & POTS Platform

Infineon Technologies announced several enhancements to its Integrated Packet Voice and Data platform, a chipset solution that GEMINAX MAX ADSL chips with its VINETIC family of integrated voice processors. The silicon solution is being positioned for Triple Play access platforms. For data it supports ADSL, ADSL2 and ADSL2+, and for voice TDM and Packet-Voice, as well as ISDN. It supports traditional TDM as well as Packet-Voice in both VoIP and Voice over ATM modes. It also offers fully-integrated voice compression codecs (G.72x) and both near-end and far-end line echo cancellation according to G.168. Standard TDM voice requirements such as DTMF detection and Caller-ID generation are also integrated.
http://www.infineon.com

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Avaya Reaches Tentative Agreement with its Unions

Avaya reached a tentative national agreement with the Communications Workers of America (CWA) and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) on a three-year contract. This is the first contract Avaya has negotiated with its unions, which represent about 6,300 employees, since it became a fully independent company in October 2000. The contract is now being submitted to union members for a vote.
http://www.avaya.com

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Teleglobe Acquisition Completed, Relaunch Expected

All pending legal and regulatory issues were resolved in the acquisition of Teleglobe by a group of private investors. Teleglobe International is being re-launched as a provider of international voice, wireless roaming, data and Internet services. The company owns and operates an extensive global telecommunications network built over a combination of wavelength IRUs, ownership or participation in 90 fiber optic submarine cable systems, satellite capacity, and leased transmission capacity.
http://www.teleglobe.com

• In December 2002, TLGB Acquisition LLC, an affiliate of Cerberus Capital Management and TenX Capital Partners, assumed day-to- day management of Teleglobe's operations. TLGB's proposed acquisition of Teleglobe's core business recently received approval of US and Canadian bankruptcy courts.



• In May, Teleglobe filed bankruptcy papers with the Ontario Superior Court.



• On April 24, BCE (Bell Canada Enterprises), Canada's largest communications company, announced that it would cease long-term funding of Teleglobe.

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ADC Offers a DSL-powered WiFi Solution for Carrier Deployments

ADC introduced a new LoopStar DSL span-powered Wi-Fi solution for carriers. that provide a low-cost and easy-to-deploy approach in building a network of Wi-Fi hot spots. ADC's current Wi-Fi solutions support two technology applications: one utilizing any customer DSLAM and the other ADC's PG-FlexPlus line shelf with G.SHDSL access technology. In the first application, the customer's existing DSLAM capacity is leveraged to apply span powering over the G.SHDSL transport to the Wi-Fi Access Point. In the second application, the PG-FlexPlus line shelf is deployed in a central office (CO) or outside plant cabinet to provide span powering over the G.SHDSL transport to the Wi-Fi Access Point. Both indoor and outdoor access point packaging are available.
http://www.adc.com

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Redback Integrates SMS into its SmartEdge Service Gateways

Redback Networks has integrated its subscriber management systems (SMS) technology its SmartEdge platform. The combined feature set will allow service providers to utilize the same Redback network management, policy management, user profiles and billing systems in an edge platform with dynamic policy enforcement, carrier-class IP routing, ATM mediation, MPLS VPNs, multicast and QoS capabilities. At the same time, Redback is introducing the SmartEdge 400 , a smaller version of its SmartEdge 800 platform. The new platform is designed for deployment in smaller central offices and POPs, whereas the SmartEdge 800 is positioned for larger POPs.
http://www.redback.com

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Cisco Doubles Subscriber Density for its Broadband Remote Access Server

Cisco Systems is doubling the subscriber density of the Cisco 10000 Series Router to support more than 60,000 simultaneous active sessions. The Cisco 10000 Series Router is used by carriers to deliver integrated private line and broadband aggregation capabilities for business and residential customers. The higher subscriber density is made possible by a new Performance Routing Engine 2 (PRE-2) network processor (list price of $36,950) capable of handling 60,000 simultaneous sessions with security and traffic policing features. The set-up rate has been boosted to 400 sessions per second.


Cisco is also adding a new Multiprocessor WAN Applications Module (list price of $85,000) for its Cisco 7600 Series Router. The new module powers up to 32,000 active sessions and delivers 3 Gbps in throughput. The Cisco 7600 could be used for high-performance entertainment, communications and broadband applications over Ethernet-based access technologies such as WiFi and metro Ethernet.
http://www.cisco.com

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Fujitsu Steps Up Capacity on FLASHWAVE 4500 Multiservice Platform

Fujitsu Network Communications unveiled two new capacity enhancements for its next-generation FLASHWAVE(R) 4500 multiservice optical transport platform--support for multiple OC-192 protected interfaces on a single FLASHWAVE 4500 shelf and a new 70G STS switch fabric with the ability to groom up to 1344 STS channels. Combining two OC-192 rings or 1+1 protected connections into a single shelf enables carriers to reduce cost, space, power and heat in their central offices. Earlier versions had required two slots for supporting protected OC-192 interfaces. The new 70G STS switch fabric increases the FLASHWAVE 4500 platform's STS grooming capacity by more than 55% over the size of the existing 45G (864x864 STS) switch fabric.
http://www.fnc.fujitsu.com

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Fujitsu Enhances FLASHWAVE 4100 Multiservice Optical Access Platform

Fujitsu Network Communications unveiled significant enhancements for its FLASHWAVE 4100 multiservice optical access platform, including include an OC-48 line unit, OC-12 and Gigabit Ethernet service units, DS3 transmux, and higher capacity STS and VT1.5 switching. The FLASHWAVE 4100 can be used for a variety of applications, such as traditional SONET transport, private line business offerings, and transparent LAN Ethernet services. Traditional DS1 through OC-48 connectivity, next-generation 10/100Base-T and Gigabit Ethernet services are now supported. By adding FLASHWAVE 4100 nodes to the edge of their existing SONET networks, carriers can provision Ethernet across their whole network. Fujitsu said its implementation of EPORT, an OSMINE-supported Ethernet over SONET provisioning technology, "makes the introduction of carrier-grade, 'edge-to-edge' Ethernet services as simple to deploy as a DS3." The new FLASHWAVE 4100 release also includes support for Generic Framing Procedure (GFP), Ethernet alarm propagation, auto concatenation and multiple security enhancements.
http://www.fnc.fujitsu.com

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Veraz Networks Announces Customer Wins

vNet Source Inc., a provider of next-generation telephony services in the U.S., has deployed Veraz Networks' ControlSwitch softswitch platform and I-Gate 4000 media gateways for its greenfield VoIP network. vNet implemented a distributed nationwide network with the ControlSwitch softswitch elements centrally located in a few POPs (Points of Presence) directing I-Gate 4000 media gateways that are distributed in POPs throughout the nation. The network design enables vNet to centralize call control and signaling.


Separately, BtNAccess is now handling wholesale long distance traffic for BtNAccess, a wholly owned subsidiary of PCCW. The BtNAccess distributed voice over IP network spans the U.S., Europe and Asia-Pacific with the ControlSwitch positioned in the U.S. to manage I-Gate 4000 media gateways located in their POPs around the world. The GCP solution enables BtNAccess to support traffic exchange between retail carriers, ISPs, Internet Content Providers and Application-Service Providers using any combination of signaling: H.323-H.323, H.323-SS7, H.323-PRI, SIP-SIP, SIP-H.323, SIP-PRI, SIP-SS7, SS7-PRI, SS7-SS7, PRI-PRI, or other combination. All of these types of calls are managed using a common routing, call control, billing and management framework from a central location, and eliminates the limitations of H.323 Gatekeeper-centric H.323-H.323 peering between carriers.
http://www.veraznetworks.com
http://www.btnaccess.com

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Siemens Shows IP-based SURPASS Business Applications

Siemens Information and Communication Networks introduced a suite of IP-based business applications and services for the enterprise customers of carriers and service providers. The new applications, which are based on Siemens' SURPASS hiQ softswitch and SURPASS hiG media gateway, include IP-based Centrex, hosted communications services, click-to-dial, multi-party collaboration, unified voice-to-text and text-to- voice messaging, call management portal and integration with Microsoft Outlook, Lotus Notes, and other desktop applications. The Siemens architecture delivers converged voice and multimedia services to either PC clients or phones via SIP-based LAN connections, or to standard telephone sets via MGCP-based Internet Access Devices (IADs).
http://www.siemens.com/surpass

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Movaz to Resell Overture's Multi-Service Access Platform

Movaz Networks launched its RAYedge Multi-Service Access Platform for aggregation of Ethernet and TDM electrical services onto a variety of uplinks including OC12, Gigabit Ethernet and CWDM wavelengths. The platform is provided through an OEM agreement with Overture Networks, a start-up based in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. The RAYedge supports Layer 2 functionality over transparent Ethernet LAN interconnection, high-speed Internet access, private data lines for frame relay, PBX voice trunks, ISDN, IP video, and IP telephony.
http://www.movaz.com
http://www.overturenetworks.com

• In September 2002, Overture Networks, a start-up based in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, raised $15 million in second round financing for its development of multi-service products for metro Ethernet/IP networks.



• Overture Networks is headed by Jeff Reedy, who formerly served as VP of Engineering at Larscom.

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Net to Net Debuts Enhanced Ethernet-based IP DSLAMs

Net to Net Technologies introduced two new Ethernet-based IP DSLAMs. A high end model sports a 48 Gbps backplane, enabling it to support double the port density of the company's existing modular DSLAMs. A second new model offers a 24 Gbps backplane. Both of the products are designed for IP video applications.
http://www.nettonet.com

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