Thursday, March 18, 2004

Veraz Enhances its Large-Scale Packet Migration Softswitch

Veraz Networks announced the availability of its ControlSwitch Release 5.5, a carrier-call softswitch that combines a multi-tiered design with tier-independent programmability in a large-scale NGN system.



Veraz's centrally managed, distributed ControlSwitch leverages XML scripting and a multi-tiered design, whereby service policies and service logic can be customized independently without impacting system stability and then made accessible to any network via a mediation tier. This Service Introduction Framework combines the programmability potential of the mediation layer, such as for on-the-fly SS7 variant customization; programmability of the service logic for on-the-fly service logic creation; and programmability of the policy layer to enable on-the-fly 'behavior' change as to how, when and who can use a service. Veraz Network said service providers could leverage this programmability to create and deliver complex services within weeks.



Initial service templates are now being made available using Release 5.5 for advanced network services incorporating two-stage dialing, Interactive Voice Response (IVR) capable Veraz I-Gate 4000 family of media gateways and third-party announcement servers, and in-switch network policies. Network service template availability such as in-switch toll-free translations and VPNs with account code authorization enable service providers the flexibility and cost/time savings to deliver compelling services that combine in-switch network services using the ControlSwitch and traditional Intelligent Networks (IN). New services are then deployed instantly throughout a network (rather than device by device), and are immediately available for use by both VoIP and traditional PSTN users. These advanced network services can be used in combination with any application from 3rd party application partners.



The new release of the Veraz ControlSwitch also add mediation layer enhancements for SIP and H.323, and support of OSP (Open Settlement Protocol), which provides a secure and trusted settlement alternative to carrier interconnection with other providers across multiple global points. http://www.veraznetworks.com

EU Launches Network and Information Security Agency

The European Union has created a new European Network and Information Security Agency (ENISA) whose mission is to ensure high levels of network and information security within the EC. The agency will contribute to the development of a culture of network and information security for the benefit of the citizens, consumers, enterprises and public sector organizations of the European Union, and consequently will contribute to the smooth functioning of the internal market. The agency's website has just been launched and a search for an executive director is underway. http://www.enisa.eu.int/

Moscow's OAO Central Telegraph Selects Terawave

OAO Central Telegraph, a service provider based in Moscow, has chosen Terawave Communications as the sole supplier of FTTP equipment for its broadband multiservice access program. The PON equipment will be supplied by Telecom Transport, one of the major distributors of PON equipment in Russia. http://www.terawave.com

Enterasys Trims First Quarter Revenue Outlook

Citing declines in service revenue, Enterasys Networks now expects its overall revenue for the first quarter ending 03-April-2004 to be in the range of $85-90 million. The company indicated that sales are being adversely affected by recent intensified competitive activity in a market environment that remains challenging. Factors of note include deal specific pricing pressure, delays in various government budget cycles, and sales execution issues that led to previously announced changes in the sales organization. http://www.enterasys.com

BT Exact Tests Redback's SmartEdge 800 Service Gateway

Redback Networks announced results from extensive testing by BT Exact, the research technology and IT operations business of BT, of its SmartEdge 800 Service Gateway. Redback said the testing confirmed the platform's levels of reliability, QoS support and Virtual Private Network (VPN) scalability. http://www.bt.com

Qwest Names New VP of Operations

Qwest Communications appointed Barry K. Allen as its new executive vice president of operations, with responsibility for the company's network and information technology (IT) operations. Allen previously served as the company's chief human resources officer and will be replaced by Jill R. Sanford, who will now serve as the company's chief human resources officer. http://www.qwest.com

Infineon Announces GigE Processor for IP DSLAMs

Infineon Technologies unveiled a protocol convergence processor designed to facilitate an evolution from ATM transport in access networks to end-to-end Ethernet/IP. Infineon's new ConverGate-C processor provides ATM termination toward an Ethernet backplane. The chip supports line-side connectivity of up to 128 xDSL lines and enables non-blocking ADSL2+ designs. The integrated UTOPIA/POS PHY L2 line-side interface sets the base for migration toward all-Ethernet access.



The ConverGate-C convergence processor can be combined with other Infineon components to implement a fully functional DSLAM/DLC system solution. For instance, it could be matched with Infineon's GEMINAX-MAX multistandard ADSL/2/2+ chip set for IP-DSLAM/DLC line cards and stackable pizza-box IP DSLAM designs. http://www.infineon.com

U.S. Robotics Boosts 802.11g to 125 Mbps

U.S. Robotics is releasing a firmware upgrade and driver update that boosts 802.11g products from a maximum bandwidth performance of 100 Mbps to as much as 125 Mbps. By early June, the 125 Mbps upgrade will ship with all U.S. Robotics 802.11g Wireless Turbo products.





The Turbo product line uses packet aggregation mechanisms coupled with frame bursting technology to improve network efficiency and boost overall performance without channel bonding. U.S. Robotics is using Texas Instruments silicon for the products. http://www.usr.com

Cingular Selects Carrier Access for Wireless Backhaul

Cingular Wireless has expanded Carrier Access' contract for cell site backhaul solutions to support Cingular's network expansion. Under the multi-year contract, Cingular will deploy Carrier Access' MASTERseries Cell Site Access Gateway to meet its current requirements for efficient n x T1 cell site to mobile switch center transport, while simultaneously preparing its network for future packet-based transport and advanced protocol processing. Financial terms were not disclosed. http://www.carrieraccess.com