BroadLight Announces BPON Controller

BroadLight introduced a broadband passive optical network (BPON) controller for central office (CO) equipment. The new device is based on BroadLight's existing FPGA but adds features and functionality, including:

• Extended BPON (1.25 Gbps downstream and 622 Mbps upstream).



• Dynamic bandwidth allocation (DBA) which enables higher upstream bandwidth utilization.



• Enhanced Utopia interface (Utopia 2 or 3 in a bus mode) for higher performance, cost and footprint reduction in a multi port CO BPON line card.

The new controller also includes the following embedded functionalities: SERDES, BPON framing and media access, a TDMA controller, cell transmission, queue management, traffic security, privacy, and out-of-band management.



The BPON controller is currently sampling and will be priced at under $50 in volume quantities for the 622 Mbps downstream and 155 Mbps upstream configuration, and slightly more for the extended BPON 1.25 Gbps downstream and 622 Mbps upstream configuration. http://www.broadlight.com

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Parama Offers Reference Design for Mini OC-48/OC-192 ADMs

Parama Networks, a start-up based in Santa Clara, California, unveiled a reference design for a small form factor fully-featured OC-48/OC-192 SONET/SDH ADM for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). The design is based on Parama's "ADM-on-a-chip," which features a 40 Gbps cross-connect fabric with full STS-1 time slot interchange. The design measures 2 rack units (RUs) in height. http://www.paramanetworks.com/

• In January 2004, Parama Networks introduced its "ADM-on-a-Chip," an integrated device for SONET/SDH transport equipment. Parama said ADM-on-a-Chip, which is designed for next generation network equipment, leverages advances in silicon VLSI technology over the last few years to enable an entire ADM implementations on a single piece of silicon. Its solution includes a companion SONET/SDH overhead processor, a data transport processor, a hardware reference design, and software development kit. The ADM-on-a-Chip is manufactured in 0.13 micron CMOS process.

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New Edge Networks Names VP of Network Operations

Stephen Sperry was named vice president of network operations for New Edge Networks. He will also be responsible for field network operations, dispatch, service activations, and network logistics. Sperry previously was vice president of network operations for Winstar/IDT in Seattle. He held previous executive level positions with MidCom Communications and PacNet Inc. Both data communications companies were ultimately acquired by Winstar/IDT. http://www.newedgenetworks.com

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Powell Announces Plans for New Local Telephone Competition Rules

FCC Chairman Michael K. Powell announced his intention to write a new set rules that ensure access to incumbent local access networks "where competition is truly impaired." Powell said he would strive to adopt the new rules as soon as possible, and that the FCC was prepared to consider interim, transitional protections to bridge the gap.



Responding to letters sent to him from BellSouth, Qwest, SBC, and Verizon putting in writing commitments not to raise rates for wholesale access, Powell said: "The regional Bell companies have announced that they will not unilaterally increase rates and have guaranteed the status quo until the end of the year."http://www.fcc.gov

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Juniper Delivers J-series Services Router and NetScreen ADSL

Juniper Networks introduced two new components for completing its "Infranet" vision: the J-series Services Router and the NetScreen-5GT ADSL security appliance.



The J-series Services Router, which leverages the company's JUNOS modular operating system, is a customer edge router designed to provide the "software stability" and reliability associated with carrier platforms. Junos OS is a modular, multi-threaded software environment capable of running multiple functions in parallel on dedicated processing resources. The J-series initially will include three models:

• J2300 Services Router - a fixed platform with one primary and one expansion slot that supports 8 Mbps uplink



• J4300 Services Router - a modular platform with six open slots that supports 16 Mbps uplinks



• J6300 Services Router - Modular platform with six open slots and the option for a redundant power supply that supports 90 Mbps uplinks

Juniper said service providers could use the J-series along with its Service Deployment System (SDX) to deliver differentiated managed network services with lower operating costs.



The NetScreen-5GT ADSL security appliance is designed for remote office locations that are connected to ADSL services. The product integrates multiple security functions - stateful and Deep Inspection firewall, IPSec VPN, denial of service protection and antivirus - with an ADSL interface and WAN routing. http://www.juniper.net

• In October 2003, Juniper Networks outlined its vision for a public network that combines the ubiquitous connectivity of the Internet with the assured performance and security of a private network. Juniper envisions an "Infranet" -- a new network designed to unlock multimedia person-to-person communication, facilitate the trend towards machine-to-machine applications such as grid computing, enable businesses and governments to reap the full benefits of Web-enabled operations, and provide the level of performance and security vital to the future growth of the online economy. An "Infranet" is neither a public Internet nor a private network. It is a series of infranets that will be built individually by service providers to form a global 'meta-network.'

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Telcordia Awarded Softswitch Patent

Telcordia was awarded a U.S. patent for its method and system for media connectivity over a packet-based network. Stemming from developments covered in a patent filed by Telcordia in 1997, the newly issued patent addresses methods associated with the origination and termination of packet-based media connections. The company said its patented method consists of a reliable, distributed, scalable hardware-independent system. In addition to VoIP, this softswitch architecture supports delivery of residential and commercial voice over asynchronous transfer mode (ATM), video conferencing, data transfer, telephony and downloading video or other data. http://www.telcordia.com

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CIENA Announces New Edge-Optimized Multiservice Platform

CIENA announced the availability of the CN 2600 Multiservice Edge Aggregator, featuring a Low-Speed Add-Drop Multiplexer (LSA) service card that aggregates T1/E1, T3/E3 and 10/100/1000 Ethernet connections into software-provision able OC-3/12/48, STM-1/4/16 network uplinks. The CN 2600 is supported under Telcordia Technologies' OSMINE Services process for the Telcordia TIRKS, NMA and Transport Element Activation Manager Operations Support Systems. In addition, with a new environmentally hardened chassis, the CN 2600 can be deployed in remote terminals. The platform also supports optional wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) interfaces, enabling service providers lower fiber access charges. The platform is managed by CIENA's LightWorks ON-Center Management Suit. http://www.ciena.com

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CIENA Adds to its Broadband Access Line

CIENA introduced the CNX-100 Modular Broadband Loop Carrier (BLC), which provides 96 configurable subscriber ports in a single low-profile shelf. The BLC can serve as a DSL overlay solution or an integrated POTS+DSL solution. The CNX-100 can grow in 4-port increments, and service cards can be provisioned based on the service requirements at each site. A variety of copper and fiber network interfaces support connection to any transport network, and the CNX-100 supports multiple subtending nodes for greater scale and transport efficiency. The platform is managed by the same element management system) as the company's existing CNX-5 Broadband DSL System. The platform is expected to be generally available in Q3 2004. http://www.ciena.com

• Earlier this year, Ciena acquired Catena Networks, a privately-held supplier of broadband access equipment, for approximately $486.7 million in stock (77.5 million shares of CIEN). Catena Networks has deployed more than 5,500 integrated broadband access solutions for RBOCs, IOCs and CLECs. Catena's major customer include BellSouth and two other RBOCs.

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CIENA Integrates Packet Switching into Metro Access/Transport

CIENA has integrated Layer 2 switching capabilities in both its CN 4300 Managed Optical Transport and Switching Platform and its CN 2300 Managed Optical Services Multiplexer (formally the Internet Photonics LightStack GSLAM and LightStack MXA, respectively).



The Integrated packet switching at the central office or cable headend via the CN 4300, and at the point of access via the CN 2300, would help cable operators support triple-play services for residential and commercial customers. In VoD applications, integrated packet switching allows partially filled VoD server links to be aggregated to full wire rate Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) signals. Additionally, the CN 4300 provides content switching so that programs on any server can be streamed to any set-top box regardless of its location. This is in contrast to today's VoD networks, in which servers are often dedicated on a per-hub or edge QAM (quadrature-amplitude modulation) basis and not fully utilized, even during peak periods.



For high-speed data and CMTS transport applications, the enhanced CN 4300 and CN 2300 platforms can switch and aggregate high-speed data to fully fill GbE ports on Internet routers, reducing the number of router ports required. The CN 4300 also works with the CN 2200 Managed Optical Services Multiplexer (formerly LightStack MX) for mixed applications where intelligent Layer 2 operations are concentrated to a few locations.



The Layers 2 capabilities also enables VoIP traffic to be switched and sent on to voice gateways and call management servers. Separate signaling and bearer VLANs can be set up to facilitate efficient centralized or distributed call routing schemes. This minimizes end-to-end latency by reducing the number of routing hops and leads to higher voice quality. http://www.ciena.com

• Earlier this year, CIENA acquired privately held Internet Photonics, a supplier of carrier-grade optical Ethernet transport and switching solutions, for approximately $150 million in stock (24.4 million CIEN shares). Internet Photonics' Ethernet transport solution has gained momentum with North American cable MSOs, including deployments with six of top ten cable operators in the U.S.

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TI Proposes Uni-DSL to Unify Standards

Texas Instruments is proposing a new high-bandwidth DSL variation that is backwards compatible with operators' current infrastructure and scalable in capacity to add competitive HDTV video services alongside existing data and voice services. TI said the backwards compatibility of UDSL-based equipment would allow operators to deploy a flexible menu of services using ADSL and VDSL standards from a single line card design in the central office or residential gateway in the home. TI plans to take its vision of a universal DSL technology before the various standards organizations around the world.



UDSL-based equipment will be targeted at neighborhood service cabinets, sometimes called cross connects or primary connection points that are located four to six kilofeet (Kft) from the user. Operators can then deploy fiber to this connection point and utilize the existing copper to deliver speeds between 50-100Mbps to users. UDSL could also be used in multi-dwelling units (MDUs) and multi-tenant units (MTUs) in shorter loop markets where operators have already deployed fiber to the curb (FTTC) or building (FTTB) networks.



TI said its UDSL technology could also support ultra-high speed rates of 200Mbps aggregate throughput for one line of DSL. Such capacity could be used to provide 100 Mbps symmetric or an asymmetric service, such as 150Mbps downstream-50Mbps upstream in shorter loops. Additionally, since UDSL is backwards compatible with all DMT standards, (ADSL, ADSL2, ADSL2+ and VDSL, as well as the upcoming VDSL2 standard) operators would be able to support multiple DSL service options using one solution.



TI expects to introduce its first UDSL solutions next year. UDSL-based equipment is expected to begin rolling-out in 2006 to deliver ADSL-, VDSL- and ultra-high speed services to consumers. http://www.ti.com/udsl

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Motorola Introduces Ethernet Aggregation Platform for MSOs

Motorola introduced a Multiservice Wavelength Transport Ethernet Aggregation 200 platform that leverages Ethernet aggregation technology and 10 Gbps optical transport technology to deliver video-on-demand and other Ethernet services. The platform offers 20 Gbps of Ethernet aggregation and unidirectional or bidirectional transmission services over two 10 Gbps DWDM ITU compliant wavelengths.



The optical element also offers cost-effective scalability in single Gigabit Ethernet increments through the use of Small Form-factor Pluggable (SFP) components. A variety of client-side SFP interfaces are supported, including copper, 850 nm multimode, 1310 nm single mode, or 1550 CWDM optics. http://www.motorola.com/broadband

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8x8 Announces E911 Service for Residential VoIP

8x8 announced the immediate availability of enhanced 911 (E911) services for subscribers to the Packet8 internet telephony service. The company claims to be the first VoIP residential telephone service to offer "real" E911 service which will automatically route calls and computer-based "screen pops" of caller information to emergency personnel at local Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs).



The Packet8 E911 solution requires a subscriber to enter the physical address where they will locate the Packet8 terminal adaptor (the device that connects a regular phone to a Packet8 internet connection). The address is verified and the Packet8 phone number is specially provisioned so that it will support E911 protocols at the PSAP when an emergency call is made. When a consumer calls 911, the call is routed to the PSAP trunk lines as emergency traffic, and is terminated directly to the nearest emergency operator with caller information and location simultaneously appearing on the PSAP operator's computer screen. http://www.8x8.com/

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Tellabs Adds Ethernet Aggregation to 5500 Digital Cross-Connect

Tellabs has added new Ethernet aggregation capabilities to its Tellabs 5500 digital cross-connect. These new capabilities enable service providers to aggregate hundreds of Ethernet streams into a single Gigabit Ethernet (Gig-E) interface. More specifically, the Tellabs 5500 system is being enhanced with Layer 2 functionality including:

• IEEE 802.1p Q-in-Q traffic prioritization protocol, which enables service providers to use a single VLAN to support customers who have multiple VLANs;



• the IEEE's 802.1ad link aggregation protocol, which supports the use of multiple links between compatible bridges and routers;



• low-order virtual tributaries; and



• high-order synchronous transport signal (STS) virtual concatenation of SONET.

The Tellabs 5500 digital cross-connect's Ethernet capabilities will be available in early 2005. http://www.tellabs.com/

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Mangrove Unveils its MetroMPLS Platforms

Mangrove Systems, a start-up based in Wallingford, CT, unveiled its Piranha and Barracuda MetroMPLS Access and Switching platforms. The Mangrove products are designed for delivering Metro Ethernet Forum services, MPLS pseudowires, multi-service support using new, efficient data-over-transport standards. The MetroMPLS family encompasses the following models:

• Piranha 100 Access Multiplexer -- a compact, high performance system for customer-located access to the MPLS core,



• Piranha 600 Access Concentrator -- a fault-tolerant, multi-service aggregation system designed for both customer located and central office installations,



• Barracuda Enhanced Services Shelf -- a central office packet aware transport system for hubbing and aggregation of packet and circuit traffic arriving from the access network,



• Osprey Management System -- a standards-based EMS/NMS platform designed to manage a network of Mangrove platforms. Osprey scales from a single node, web-based embedded management tool to a full multi-server network management solution.

Each MetroMPLS system includes a combination of Metro Ethernet Forum E-Line and E-LAN, ATM and Frame Relay services, each supported using MPLS pseudowires operating over an efficient GFP packet transport within virtually concatenated SONET or SDH paths. The architecture extends the MPLS control and data plane to the customer edge, enabling establishment of new customer services over pre-configured bandwidth.



Piranha 100 and 600 platforms support DS1/E1, DS3/E3, OC3/STM-1 to OC- 48/STM-16, SAN, 10/100 and Gigabit Ethernet interfaces. Barracuda system interfaces scale from DS3/E3 to OC-192/STM-64 and 10 Gigabit Ethernet interfaces.



Each of Mangrove's platforms support both optical and Ethernet trunking, making them suitable as access products for existing SONET/SDH and new Metro Ethernet infrastructures. At the optical layer, full compliance with SONET/SDH standards for linear APS/MSP and UPSR/SNCP is assured, in addition to a unique, pluggable OADM option for low-cost, CWDM-based access ring architectures.



Key technology features of the Piranha and Barracuda systems include Mangrove's Interworking Engine; an integrated engine for providing Layer 2 service interworking functions for Frame Relay, ATM, Ethernet and MPLS services, and traffic management to ensure that each service receives its committed Quality of Service guarantee, ensuring protection for the network and performance against a provider Service Level Agreement. http://www.mangrovesystems.com/

• In May 2004, Mangrove Systems, a start-up based in Wallingford, CT, outlined its vision for extending MPLS convergence to the metro and access network infrastructure. Mangrove believes that core networks are fundamentally divided between MPLS and Optical infrastructures. In the metro, a single converged architecture that supports traditional data, Ethernet, private line, VoIP and SAN applications is required. This new converged metro and access network requires new L1 / L2 platforms capable of extending MPLS to a customer premise but without disrupting existing fiber plant, SONET/SDH network elements or operational support systems. Mangrove's MetroMPLS would enable service providers to move service demarcation from the core MPLS network, out to the customer location or access network. Its network architecture leverages recently developed Pseudowire (PWE3) and data over SONET/SDH standards along with network processors and a new generation of multiservice framers. Mangrove will use PWE3 (Martini / Pseudowire) as its service multiplexing layer of choice and GFP is the framing & encapsulation technology of choice. The combination of PWE3 over GFP enables any service to be carried over a common transport. Mangrove said that by blending Generic Framing Procedure (GFP), Virtual Concatenation (VCAT) and MPLS, its MetroMPLS enables existing and planned services to share an efficient, unified access network.



• Mangrove Systems is using Agere's new Datamapper and MARS T-PHY for its MetroMPLS access and metro equipment platforms.



• Mangrove Systems is headed by Jonathan Reeves, who formerly founded and served as Chairman and CEO of Sahara Networks (acquired by Cascade and then Ascend), and who also founded Sirocco Systems (acquired by Sycamore Networks). Mangrove's technical team also includes John Gamelin (Vice President of Technology) and Paul Doolan (Vice President of Network Architecture). Gamelin previously served as co-founder and later, Vice President of Engineering with Tellium. Before that, he was a senior scientist at Bellcore. Doolan is credited with early development work in MPLS, including work on Cisco's Tag Distribution Protocol (TDP).

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Jiangsu Telecom Selects Alcatel IP Service Routers

Jiangsu Telecom, a subsidiary of China Telecom, selected the Alcatel 7750 Service Router (SR) to build an IP backbone network in the province. The 7750 SR will also be deployed as a service-aware edge solution for building an IP metro network in Zhengjiang and Taizhou, two major cities in Jiangsu Province. The contract was won through Alcatel Shanghai Bell, Alcatel's flagship Chinese company. Financial terms were not disclosed. http://www.alcatel.com

• In January 2004, Shandong Netcom, a subsidiary of China Netcom, selected Alcatel Shanghai Bell to supply IP routers for an e-government provincial backbone. Under the contract, Alcatel will provide Shandong Netcom with the carrier- class Alcatel 7750 Service Router for a network covering 17 cities in the province.

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UTStarcom Agrees to Acquire Audiovox Handset Division

UTStarcom agreed to acquire Audiovox Communications' handset division for $165.1 million in cash.



ACC is a leading wireless handset provider to Tier 1 operators in the US, Canada, and South America, including Verizon Wireless, Sprint PCS, ALLTEL, US Cellular, Bell Mobility, Telus, BellSouth International, Telefonica, Virgin Mobile, MetroPCS, and others.



UTStarcom described the acquisition as a key milestone in its entry into the Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) marketplace, announced in March 2004. The Audiovox division provides the company with a recognized CDMA handset brand, fully certified for the U.S. market; access to long-standing supply-chain channels; product marketing expertise; and key relationships with top-tier CDMA operators, particularly in North and South America.



Over the past few months, UTStarcom has created a full-solution CDMA business and product line to complements its wireless PAS portfolio. Its activities have included CDMA and WCDMA licensing from Qualcomm, a development partnership with IPWireless for TDCDMA technology, and strategic acquisitions, including Hyundai Syscomm, TELOS, and now ACC.



UTStarcom said it is already the single largest handset provider in China, the largest, and most cost-competitive market in the world. It currently offers more than 30 different handsets, from high-end to low-cost models. The company shipped over 16.5 million units in 2003 and expects to ship between 18 to 20 million in 2004. UTStarcom said the CDMA would extend its position in international markets. http://www.utstar.com

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Cable Operator in Pakistan Selects Nuera for VoIP

WorldCALL Broadband Ltd., one of the largest cable operators in Pakistan, has deployed Nuera Communications' ORCA RDT-8v VoIP access gateway and the Siemens SURPASS hiE 9200 Softswitch to offer telephone services. Nuera's RDT-8v broadband access gateway enables WorldCALL to leverage the Class 5 circuit-switch capabilities of the SURPASS hiE 9200 to offer carrier-grade, highly reliable voice services over an IP network. Financial terms were not disclosed. http://www.nuera.com

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NETGEAR Aims GigE Switches at Residential and SOHO

NETGEAR released new 5-port and 8-port Gigabit Ethernet switches at price points ($96 and $157 respectively) suited for consumer networking applications or small- and medium-sized businesses (SMB). Both switches are equipped with auto-speed sensing 10/100/1000 Mbps UTP (Untwisted Pairs) ports and are support 802.1p priority tags to handle VoIP and other bandwidth-intensive applications.



NETGEAR is also introducing a 16-Port Gigabit switch designed for workgroups or for migrating workstations to full Gigabit speed. With the ability to deliver up to 2000 Mbps through each of its 16 high-speed auto-switching 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet ports, the switch also incorporates "Auto Uplink" technology, supports Layer 2 802.1p traffic priority tags, and provides LEDs in each of the 16 RJ-45 jacks for easy monitoring. It will be available in June 2004 via selected retail stores, most direct marketers, e-commerce sites, and value-added resellers at a list price of $460. http://www.netgear.com

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PMC-Sierra Introduces Single-Chip Add/Drop Multiplexer Devices

PMC-Sierra introduced two new single-chip SONET Add/Drop Multiplexer devices designed to enable a new generation of small footprint, carrier-class, optical access equipment for extending legacy and next-generation services to small and mid-sized enterprises. The highly integrated ADM 622 devices target the access and metro-edge markets, supporting such services as Ethernet Virtual LANs (VLANs).



PMC-Sierra said its new ADM 622 devices provide all the features necessary to build a complete ADM or Terminal Multiplexer. They are cost-optimized for compact OC-3/STM-1 and OC-12/STM-4 optical networking equipment deployed in remote terminals or customer premises equipment, where service density does not justify deployment of larger, more expensive MSPPs. Both the ADM 622 and ADM 622 PDH devices integrate SONET/SDH framers and pointer processors, PDH mappers, expansion interfaces, and a cross-connect; the ADM 622 device also integrates Ethernet-over-SONET/SDH interfaces with Layer 2 processing.



The Layer 2 processor provides aggregation, grooming, policing, and Ethernet Operations, Administration and Maintenance (OAM) capabilities to enable next-generation services without the need for an external Ethernet switch or network processor. Using the standards-based policing mechanism, carriers may now provide service granularity in 1 Mbps increments rather than the 1.5 Mbps, 2 Mbps, or 51.84 Mbps granularity associated with virtual concatenation. The ADM 622 supports Ethernet OAM using a flexible packet insert and extract mechanism enabling Ethernet link monitoring and fault isolation capabilities that are required for carrier grade network access services. In addition, the ADM 622 provides packet grooming and aggregation capabilities which enable virtual private line connections or multiple private line connections from a single Ethernet client interface. The design also support a number of redundancy strategies.



Both devices are designed in 0.13 micron CMOS technology and packaged in an 896-ball, 31x31mm Flip Chip Ball Grid Array package. http://www.pmc-sierra.com/networking

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Net to Net Announces POTS Modules for its IP DSLAM

Net to Net Technologies, a supplier of IP DSLAMs, announced a new 48-port POTS module that will allow the company to enter the Broadband Loop Carrier (BLC) market. The new module enables network operators to deliver all three "Triple Play" services (voice, video, and data) using Net to Net's IP DSLAMs and MultiService Loop Carrier solutions without the need for other external equipment.



The new module employs VoIP, converting standard analog POTS signals to IP packets and delivering upstream to a VoIP gateway or softswitch. Standard MGCP and SIP signaling protocols will also be used to provide VoIP interoperability. The module will be available in Q3. Net to Net said it plans to port this new POTS capability to additional platforms and products, including combination cards (ADSL2+ with POTS and line Splitter) and ADSL2+ MicroDSLAMs later this calendar year. http://www.nettonet.com

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World Wide Packets Adds Virtual Private Service over Ethernet and MPLS Capabilities

World Wide Packets announced new enhancements that enable its "LightningEdge" product family to deliver Virtual Private Services (VPS) over Ethernet and/or MPLS. World Wide Packets said its new VPS offering enables guaranteed and explicit Quality of Service per application. VPS also allows the service provider to provide one or many services over a single physical subscriber port using flexible topology and deployment scenarios such as Per-Port-Per VLAN and Layer 2 control frame transport.



New products include the LE-54v Access Portal, a compact, high-performance customer service demarcation platform for ring-based topologies. It features two, 1 Gbps Small Form-Factor Pluggable (SFP) optical Ethernet ports and eight 10/100 Mb copper subscriber ports. World Wide Packets is also introducing the LE-311v Access Concentrator, featuring four, 1 Gbps SFP optical Ethernet ports, twenty-four 10/100 Mb copper subscriber ports, and support for one or two pluggable AC or DC power supplies. Both the LE-54v and LE-311v support large numbers of MAC addresses and MPLS labels to enable cost-efficient large-scale subscriber deployments. They also support any variant of LDP, RSVP, and BGP signaling protocols, enabling service providers to automate provisioning beyond the MPLS core switching platforms directly to the subscriber demarcation points. http://www.worldwidepackets.com

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Opnext Offers Extended Distance 10 Gbps Modules

Opnext has extended its line of hot-pluggable 10G optical subsystems with the introduction of an Optical Port Slide-In Module (OP10SM) that supports applications at 1550nm with an 80 km fiber reach. Like each module in Opnext's 10G OP10SM Series, it maintains the SFI-4 system interface standard. The modules can be inserted in the field into an active system, and support VSR, SR, IR2, and LR2 reaches. Future versions include DWDM, Very -long-reach, and G.709 OTN processing features. http://www.opnext.com

• In September 2001, Hitachi transferred its fiber optic components business unit into Opnext, a new company that is a joint venture with Clarity Partners and Marubeni Group.

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ANDA Networks Enhances its EtherTone for Edge Aggregation

ANDA Networks, a start-up based in Sunnyvale, California with development facilities in Wuhan, China, announced new capabilities that position its "EtherTone" platform as a low-cost edge and access aggregation solution for service providers. ANDA's EtherTone platform supports Ethernet-based services such as high-speed Internet access, VoIP, Ethernet Private Line, and Transparent LAN over existing DSL, DS1, DS3, SONET and/or dark fiber networks. The EtherTone line encompasses three products:

• EtherEdge 4000 Series -- a multi-tenant unit and CO/PoP Ethernet access platform terminating up to 24 Ethernet/TDM/Frame Relay interfaces.



• EtherReach 3000 Series -- fixed configuration platforms for multi-tenant unit deployments with Ethernet and TDM interfaces for transport across SONET/SDH networks.



• EtherReach 2000 Series -- single customer, carrier managed NCTE devices that provide Ethernet and TDM services via copper and/or fiber facilities at a carrier price of $1,000 to $2,000.

A significant new enhancement is a new "EtherPlug" application that enables legacy SONET/SDH ADMs to provision Ethernet services. ANDA also supports Circuit Emulation Services -- PWE3.



ANDA Networks was founded in 1998 by Wufu Chen and prominent network technology entrepreneurs from Cisco, Motorola, Alcatel, Nortel, Ericsson and HP. The company raised approximately $100 million in funding, developing a Universal Access Platform. When the telecom downturn hit, ANDA moved a majority of its R&D to China, a move that the company said enables it to develop new products at one-tenth the cost of its previous operating model.



ANDA said its EtherTone is currently in deployment with or being trialed by over 12 major carriers and network service providers across the world.



Separately ANDA Networks announced that China Network Communications (CNC, formerly China Netcomm), China UniCom and China Telecom are deploying its EtherTone solutions to deliver broadband and voice services to their customers. Through its partnership with Snow City, a network solutions provider in China, over 100 of ANDA's ER3300 systems have been shipped and are in the process of being qualified at carrier sites across three major Chinese provinces including He Bei, He Nan and Jiang Su. http://www.andanetworks.com

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Mahi Acquires Photuris, Closes $70 Million in Funding

Mahi Networks, a start-up based in Petaluma, California, has acquired Photuris, another start-up, in a bid aimed at creating a technology leader for next generation, integrated, multiservice, metro packet switching, TDM grooming and high-capacity metro core aggregation systems. Both companies target large carriers and MSOs. Mahi's Mi7 Metro Core Aggregation System (MCAS) combines switching, transport, and differentiated service and control features. The system integrates SONET add-drop multiplexer (ADM), 3/3 digital cross-connect (DCS), DS-3 breakout capability and Layer 2 Ethernet transport switching in a single box. Mahi's Mi7 is designed to aggregate and groom multi-vendor SONET rings in a new consolidated central office architecture that supports automated provisioning of capacity.



Photuris, which is based in Piscataway, New Jersey, developed an automated optical transport system for high-capacity metro and regional DWDM networks. Its platform features a "Versicolor" capability that integrates four functions on a single optical line card: WDM demux/mux at the system input/output; fully flexible, reconfigurable OADM wavelength switching (any wavelength to any port, independent of any other wavelength); per-wavelength power balancing; and real-time per-wavelength optical power monitoring. The Photuris system also features "ADM-on-a-Wavelength" line cards that deliver SONET ADM terminal functionality, enabling transceivers to be added to hot-pluggable ports as services are activated. The platform could serve as a reconfigurable optical add/drop multiplexer for ring applications needing single wavelength granularity.



Both companies have been shipping their products since last year. Mahi, which will sell the Photuris V32000 platform as the Vx7 Multi-Service Core Transport Systems, said its two products are complementary in metro/edge core applications, providing the "right mix" of pass-through and local switching for SONET and Ethernet. Mahi is also retaining members of Photuris' staff, as well as its facility in New Jersey.



Separately, Mahi Networks closed $70 million in new funding, bringing its total raised to date to $255 million. The company said the new funding would enable it to expand its manufacturing and to support operations for its growing deployments. A syndicate of eight private equity funds contributed to the funding. Participants included Jerusalem Venture Partners, Meritech Capital Partners, Oak Investment Partners, Rho Ventures, St. Paul Venture Capital, Van Wagoner Capital Management and Wasserstein Ventures. On a pro-forma basis, the combined company (Mahi+Photuris), has raised over $375 million in funding. http://www.mahinetworks.com

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Fujitsu to Resell Hammerhead's Migration Edge Platform

Fujitsu Network Communications will resell Hammerhead Systems' HSX 6000 Migration Edge solution as part of its recently announced Flexible Architecture for Subscriber Service Termination (FASST) solution portfolio. Hammerhead's platform, which is designed for migrating Frame Relay / ATM services onto MPLS backbones, leverages a unique switch architecture that "virtualizes" expensive system resources, enabling a higher efficiency and service density than other Layer 2 service aggregation platforms. Key to the design is a Distributed Service Interworking Engine that is bi-directional, control plane agnostic, and scales to handle thousands of fine-grained flows. Hammerhead has also developed a Bandwidth Pooling Architecture that allows switch processing cards to be shared by physical interface cards. The company's first product is delivers scalable edge capacity of 30 Gbps - 120 Gbps full duplex in a 1/4 rack. It offers a mid-plane design and service-agile interfaces ranging from T1 to Oc-192c/10GbE and FR/ATM/PPP/POS/Ethernet.



The reseller agreement between Fujitsu and Hammerhead involves joint marketing, product planning, customer support and services in North America. http://www.fujitsu.com/us/telecom/http://www.hammerheadsystems.com

• Earlier this month, Fujitsu Network Communications launched an all-out, major assault on the advanced packet network market that builds on its established base of optical transport solutions for incumbents, CLECs, wireless carriers and MSOs in North America. Fujitsu is partnering with Atrica, CoSine Communications and others to define and deliver a Flexible Architecture for Subscriber Service Termination (FASST) aimed at integrating SONET, Optical Ethernet, ATM, Frame Relay, IP, MPLS and Operational Support System (OSS) products. Fujitsu said it developed FASST in direct response to service providers' feedback indicating that they wanted to offer more differentiable managed services but were dissatisfied with the product offerings available from traditional IP vendors.

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