OIF Approves TDM Fabric to Framer Interface

The Optical Internetworking Forum (OIF) has published a TDM Fabric to Framer Interface Implementation Agreement (IA) intended to allow framer and switch components from multiple vendors to interoperate. Target applications include add/drop multiplexers, TDM cross connect and grooming switches. The IA, known as TFI-5, defines support for key functionality including link integrity monitoring, connection management and mapping mechanisms for both SONET/SDH and non-SONET/SDH clients such as Ethernet and Fiber Channel.


The OIF noted that there are a number of vendors offering TDM framers, as well as switching fabrics. The agreement is aimed at cross vendor interoperability. Traffic on each link between the framer and the fabric is modeled after a SONET/SDH frame. In order to ensure device interoperability across multiple vendor devices it is important that the electrical, optical, jitter and byte signaling protocols are compatible.
http://www.oiforum.com

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BT Openworld Selects 2Wire for Small Business Gateway

BT Openworld will offer 2Wire's OfficePortal DSL gateway to its small business DSL subscribers. The product, which will be branded as the BT Intelligent Gateway 1800, combines an ADSL modem with wireless, Ethernet and HPNA functionality. It includes a professional-grade firewall and the capability to screen Web content, as well as to define user access privileges on the network. Integration with 2Wire's back-end management system will allow BT Openworld to conduct remote diagnostics and pre-emptive troubleshooting. BT Retail has already begun selling a residential version of the 2Wire gateway to home broadband subscribers.
http://www.2wire.com
http://www.btopenworld.com

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NTT Granted Government Approval for IP Telephony

NTT East Corp. and NTT West Corp. were granted permission by Japan's Posts and Telecommunications Ministry to begin offering IP telephony services. A report from Kyodo News International notes that KDDI and 15 other communications firms had urged the Ministry to refuse permission fearing the competitive threat.
http://www.soumu.go.jp/english/index.html

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New Director General Appointed at French Regulatory Authority

Philippe Distler has been named Director General at Autorité de Régulation des Télécommunications (ART), the French regulatory authority. Distler, who is a telecommunications engineer, previously was in charge of the interconnection and new technologies department at ART. He held various positions at Centre National d'Etudes des Télécommunications (CNET) in the field of networking. In particular, he participated in the introduction of the Signalling System N°7 in France.
http://www.art-telecom.fr

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Tellabs Trims Workforce

Tellabs announced plans to reduce its worldwide workforce by about 370 employees. The company also plans to close its development center in St. Laurent, Quebec, Canada, by mid-2004. Tellabs said it would continue to invest in new growth markets, such as a global carrier-class data solutionhttp://www.tellabs.com

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New Edge Networks Inks National Broadband Access Deal with Verizon

New Edge Networks announced an agreement to resell Verizon's symmetric high bit-rate DSL (SHDSL) service to customers throughout most areas where Verizon offers DSL services. Under the national wholesale agreement, New Edge Networks will build gateways to Verizon in New York and Los Angeles, where it will offer the high bit-rate DSL services. Through these gateways, New Edge Networks also will be able to offer its customers broadband access in most areas around the country where Verizon offers traditional DSL services. New Edge Networks began processing orders last week.


New Edge Networks is one of the first national broadband carriers to sign on as a wholesaler for Verizon's newly announced service, which is called Infospeed Premium DSL. Verizon filed for FCC authority to provide the new service in July and launched it in August.
http://www.newedgenetworks.com

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Yipes Signs Washington D.C. Dark Fiber Agreement with Starpower

Starpower Communications, a joint venture between RCN Corporation and Pepco Communications, will provide dark fiber services to Yipes Enterprise Services in the Washington, D.C. metro area. The agreement covers a dark fiber ring and multiple lateral connections that Yipes will use to provide Ethernet services to commercial properties in the region. Financial details were not disclosed.
http://www.yipes.com
http://www.starpower.net/business/

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Redback Initiates Debt for Equity Exchange

Redback Networks launched its offer to exchange shares of the company's common stock for all of its outstanding 5% Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2007. The holders of approximately 67% in principal amount of the notes have already agreed to tender in the offer, which is part of Redback's proposed out-of-court financial restructuring. The exchange offer expires on October 30, 2003.
http://www.redback.com

• In July, Redback reached agreement with a committee of its bondholders to exchange $467 million in debt for new equity in the company. If all of the Notes are exchanged, the noteholders will receive approximately 95% of the issued and outstanding common stock immediately following completion of the transaction and the existing holders of common stock will initially retain approximately 5% of the issued and outstanding common stock of the company.

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