Singapore Polytechnic Deploys Cisco IP Telephony

Republic Polytechnic, Singapore's newest polytechnic serving some 1,900 students, has deployed an IP telephony system from Cisco Systems. The installation, which was handled by Radiance Communications, includes Cisco IP phones in the administrative offices, Cisco CallManager for software-based call processing, Cisco Unity Unified Messaging; and Cisco IP Communicator on the laptops and personal computers of Republic's staff. The Cisco IP Communicator is a software-based telephony application. The school has a vision of a totally wireless and mobile environment. http://www.cisco.com

Read More

Worldspan Awards AT&T $30 Million Networking Contract

Worldspan, which provides 16,000 travel agencies and other users worldwide with travel data and booking capabilities, awarded AT&T a three-year, $30 million networking contract. AT&T will deploy a secure IP VPN connected to an AT&T Ultravailable fiber ring at the host site. Worldspan customers -- from the largest airlines to small, independent travel agents -- will be able to access Worldspan's systems via a number of different technologies. Major airlines and large, high-volume travel agencies, for instance, can access Worldspan's systems using a dedicated high-speed IP circuit that connects directly to the UVN ring. http://www.att.com

Read More

Parama Networks Announces Centralized Architecture for ADM-on-a-Chip

Parama Networks, a start-up based in Santa Clara, California, announced a new centralized architecture for SONET/SDH Add/Drop Multiplexers that leverages its ADM-on-a-Chip (AoC) family. The company said it simplified architecture enables network equipment manufacturers to centralize the framing, cross connect and overhead processing functions of SONET and SDH. The architecture enables 50ms restoration in mesh networks, per service protection schemes, and transparent transport services. It also allows vendors to tap the bandwidth in the "overhead" channels for signaling and control purposes throughout the network.



Parama said its design supports simplified control plane implementations such as GMPLS for service provisioning and other tasks.



In addition, Parama has extended its ADM-on-a-Chip (AoC) family with a new device that incorporates eight programmable tributary interfaces to run at OC-3/12 or STM-1/4 rates, two OC-48/STM-16 line interfaces, and 10 Gbps of non-blocking cross-connect. http://www.paramanet.com

• In June 2004, Parama Networks announced that Movaz Networks is using its “ADM-on-a-Chip�? on a number of designs for its Movaz RAY family of wavelength services products, including its new reconfigurable optical add/drop multiplexer. The companies said the next-generation of transport equipment would drive the convergence of SONET/SDH and DWDM. This is expected to result in lower capital and operating costs, more flexible systems, simpler “per wavelength�? service reconfiguration, a unified control plane, more efficient use of wavelengths via grooming, and a unified network management system.

Read More

Redback Enhances its SmartEdge with LNS and LTS Capabilities

Redback Networks announced a new software release that enables its SmartEdge platforms to receive high bandwidth tunnels from broadband wholesalers. Specifically, the new software enables the sending, receiving or balancing of wholesale broadband L2TP tunnels, including L2TP Network Server (LNS), L2TP Access Server (LAC) and L2TP Tunnel Switch (LTS), on the SmartEdge edge router. The new enhanced L2TP functionality includes:

• a new level of reliability for maintaining the individual sessions within L2TP tunnels, even in the event of a hardware failure. Traditional LNS solutions can fail-over L2TP tunnels in the event of a hardware failure, but all individual subscriber sessions are lost. The enhanced LNS for the SmartEdge platform now ensures that tunnels and individual PPP sessions remain intact and uninterrupted in the event of a line card fail-over.



• enhanced LTS for the SmartEdge platform with the same ability to fail-over individual sessions. As an LTS, wholesale connections from a provider can be load balanced between separate LNS units.



• integration between the L2TP tunneling functions and MPLS VPNs on the same platform. VPN tunnels can now connect seamlessly with L2TP tunnels.

Redback said that unlike other platforms, the LNS and LTS functionality is built directly into the SmartEdge software and does not require a separate line card or resource card. The function is performed entirely in software. The LNS functionality can be integrated with edge routing and broadband subscriber management on the same platform. Redback provides full support for sending or receiving subscriber traffic to or from MPLS VPNs for LNS terminated sessions.



Redback said these capabilities enable ISPs to consolidate elements of their networks that are currently separate and boost overall reliability, scalability and ease of operation. http://www.redback.com

Read More

Level 3 Provides Dark Fiber to Michigan Universities

Level 3 Communications is providing its (3)Link(R) Intercity Dark Fiber and (3)Link Metro Dark Fiber services in the Chicago and Detroit areas to Michigan's three largest public universities -- Michigan State University, the University of Michigan, and Wayne State University -- to create a high-performance network to support advanced collaborative research.



The multi-year, million-dollar-plus IRU contract was signed with the National Research and Education Fiber Company (FiberCo). The new research network, called the Michigan LambdaRail (MiLR), is slated for operation by January 2005. DWDM will be used to provide up to 200 wavelengths per fiber pair, with each wavelength capable of supporting data transmission at 10 Gbps. http://www.Level3.com

Read More

Broadcom Licenses LSI Logic's DSP for Set-Top Box Audio

Broadcom has licensed LSI Logic's ZSP500 digital signal processor (DSP) core to service multiple encoding and decoding audio applications in the set-top box market. Since adopting the ZSP architecture, Broadcom has already gone into mass production with several VoIP semiconductor products based on ZSP processing solutions.



In addition to Broadcom, LSI Logic has recently licensed the ZSP processing solutions to Huawei Technologies, Pulsus Technology, UTStarcom, Datang Microelectronics, AVID Electronics Corp., ICC and Socle Technology. Conexant, IBM, Skyworks and VIA Telecom are also among publicly announced licensees of the ZSP processing solutions. http://www.zsp.com

Read More

Covaro Introduces Demarcation Product for Ethernet Over DS3

Covaro Networks, a start-up based in Richardson, Texas, introduced a new "new CC-301" product with the ability to map Ethernet over DS3s. Covaro's CC-301, which serves as the demarcation point at the customer site, is designed to take advantage of available DS3 transport systems or leased DS3 facilities to deliver Ethernet services either on or off net. The platform leverages Covaro's "Etherjack" technology, which provides remote monitoring and diagnostics for Ethernet services. In addition, Covaro said multiple CC-301s could be used in a back-to-back configuration or combined with its Covaro's CC-16000 aggregation platform. http://www.covaro.com

• In June 2004, Covaro Networks introduced two products to help carriers deliver Ethernet services over fiber, copper or leased DS1s/DS3s. These services include 10/100/1000BT Ethernet, GbE, 100FX, Ethernet Metallic eXtensions (EMX), DS1, DS3 and OC-3/12 (STM-1/4). Covaro's "Etherjack" technology allows carriers (or enterprises) to transport and manage Ethernet services using traditional management methods for T1/T3 services. The system provides an Ethernet demarcation point, which allows in-service performance monitoring, and out-of service fault isolation and diagnosis for Ethernet services.
  
  
• Covaro's new products include the CC-16000, which can reach customers from central office locations, co-located equipment spaces, outside cabinets and basement-located equipment in multi-tenant offices. For the customer premise, Covaro's CC-101 uses available copper facilities and bonding technology to deliver intelligent Ethernet services up to 18,000ft. - much farther than the 328ft. capabilities of 10/100BT interfaces. In addition to providing a solution for copper riser and outside plant applications, the CC-101 provides the demarcation point between a carrier and its customer.
  
  
• In February 2004, Covaro Networks raised $25.3 million in Series B funding for its Ethernet services management system. Covaro develops products that address hybrid networks containing both Ethernet and traditional T1/T3 based services. Covaro's unique Etherjack functionality allows carriers (or enterprises) to transport and manage Ethernet services using traditional management methods to reduce turn-up, test and maintenance costs.

Read More

i3 micro's IP Set-Top Box Integrates AMD Processor

i3 micro technology has selected AMD's Alchemy Au1550 processor to help accelerate networking capabilities within its third-generation "Mood Box" set-top box solution. The MIPS-based processor enables the set-top box to run enhanced, high-performance applications at low wattage. http://www.amd.comhttp://www.i3micro.com

Read More

LG Electronics Selects Sigma Designs for IPTV Set-tops

LG Electronics (LGE) has selected media processors from Sigma Designs to power its new IP set-top boxes, which will be deployed by Korea Telecom (KT). LG expects to begin volume shipments in September 2004.



In March 2004, KT announced the pilot launch of its new Home N network service for Seoul and the surrounding area. The broadband home networking service that provides a variety of applications, including wired and wireless high-speed Internet access, high-quality video and audio, home automation, and two-way TV using a home gateway developed by KT. The carrier hopes to attract a total of 100,000 customers by year-end.



LG Electronics will be delivering their first generation set-up box, the DOD2000, which is powered by Microsoft Windows CE.net. The IP set-top box delivers DVD quality broadband video, as well as providing home gateway and numerous home automation services. Supporting these features, the Sigma Designs media processor will provide video, audio and transport processing functions. Video functions will include NTSC TV resolution output (720x480) of MPEG-1/2, DVD-video or video CD playback, and features 8-bit alpha blending of on-screen display and graphics information. Audio decoding will include Dolby Digital, CD audio, MPEG-1 layers 2 and 3, and DTS. http://www.sigmadesigns.com/

Read More

C-COR to Acquire Optinel Systems for Optical Transport

C-COR agreed to acquire Optinel Systems, a developer of optical Ethernet transport solutions, for an initial cash payment of approximately $9.5 million and the assumption of certain liabilities. The deal also provides for the payment of an additional $6 million in cash if certain sales goals are met.



Optinel's flagship PLEXiS platform combines Gigabit Ethernet transport modules with DWDM and CWDM hardware to provide cable operators with a server-to-hub transport solution for services such as VOD, HDTV, broadcast video, high-speed Internet, and cable telephony. The PLEXiS array of products provides 1, 2.5 or 10 Gbps of unidirectional or bidirectional capacity per wavelength, allowing an optimized balance between high network capacity and granular scalability. http://www.c-cor.nethttp://www.optinel.com

• Optinel Systems is based in Elkridge, Maryland. In December 2002, Optinel raised $22.4 million in second round venture funding. Investors include Court Square Ventures, Teknoinvest, Birchmere Ventures, SilverHaze Partners, Four Seasons Ventures, the Dinner Club, Isis Capital, OCG Ventures and Novak Biddle Venture Partners.



• In June 2004, C-COR.net Corp. agreed to acquire Stargus, a privately-held develop of OSS solutions, for $17 million in cash. Stargus, which is based in Andover, Massachusetts, provides network and service management solutions, including network optimization, subscriber usage reporting, and capacity planning, specifically designed for cable broadband networks. Stargus systems currently are in use managing over 5 million DOCSIS devices worldwide.



• In April 2004, C-COR.net announced plans to acquire all of the assets of Lantern Communications, a start-up developing metro optical packet-based transport solutions. Financial terms were not disclosed. Lantern Communications, which is based in Sunnyvale, California, developed a Metro Packet Switch (MSP) system that incorporates advanced bandwidth management and QoS techniques to enable the delivery of deterministic services over an all packet edge infrastructure.

Read More

Siemens Claims Leading Market Share in DSL CPE Revenue

Siemens Subscriber Networks has captured the number one position globally in terms of DSL CPE revenue earned, according to figures from the Dell'Oro cited by the company. Siemens supplies DSL modems, gateways and routers, both wired and wireless. The company's cumulative global unit shipments reached 15.85 million as of June 2004. http://www.usa.siemens.com

Read More

Charter to Accelerate Entry into Cable Telephony

Charter Communications announced plans to accelerate its push into consumer telephony services through a partnership strategy. The cable operator has signed agreements with Level 3 Communications and Sprint Communications to provide long distance and local telephone service connectivity in selected cable markets across the U.S.. In addition, Charter has selected Accenture to provide telephony provisioning services.



Charter said the partnerships would enable it to reduce the cost and time required to deploy telephony services across many markets.



Tom Cullen, Charter Executive Vice President of Advanced Services and Business Development, said "We chose to align with more than one carrier to maximize the benefits of each agreement on a market-by-market basis and achieve the maximum cost savings and flexibility. We'll continue to look at other potential partners in order to further gain critical competitive advantage."http://www.charter.com

• Charter currently offers voice telephone service in three markets. Its telephony customers numbered 31,200 telephony customers as of June 30, 2004.



• Charter Communications ended Q2 with 1,711,400 cable modem customers. The company has migrated substantially all of its cable modem customers to a new pricing structure, resulting in average monthly revenue (ARPU) per customer of $35.87, a 4% increase over the first quarter of 2004.



• Charter ended Q2 2004 with 10,526,000 revenue generating units (RGUs), reflecting a net decrease of 2,700 RGUs from Q1 2004. The decrease in RGUs was driven by a net loss of 58,800 analog video customers and 7,200 digital video customers, partially offset by the gain of 58,400 residential HSD and growth in telephone customers during the quarter.

Read More

BroadSoft Names Chris MacFarland as VP of Operations

BroadSoft has appointed Chris MacFarland as its new vice president of operations. MacFarland comes to BroadSoft from Allegiance Telecom, Inc., a facilities-based national local exchange carrier, where he served as the company's senior vice president and CTO. Prior to Allegiance MacFarland held various management positions at Verio, OnRamp Technologies, and CompuNet. http://www.broadsoft.com

Read More

Optical Solutions Supplies FTTP in Utah

All West Communications, which serves 7,300 access lines in Utah and Wyoming, will deploy Optical Solutions' FiberPath 500 GPON in a triple play network. The equipment will be used to overbuild several new subdivisions in a mountainous area six miles east of Park City, Utah. Financial terms were not disclosed. http://www.opticalsolutions.com

Read More

FCC to Appeal Brand X Cable Modem Ruling

The FCC filed papers to appeal the "Brand X" cable modem case to the Supreme Court. A Supreme Court ruling is consider critical because the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals had overturned the FCC's classification of cable modem service as an "information service."



FCC Chairman Michael K. Powell said: "This is about ensuring that high-speed Internet connections aren't treated like what they're not: telephones. A successful appeal of this case would ultimately mean lower prices and better service for American consumers. Applying taxes, regulations and concepts from a century ago to today's cutting-edge services will only stifle innovation and competition."http://www.fcc.gov

• The U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals declined to review a lower court's ruling that had overturned the FCC's classification of cable modem service as an "information service." The case originally arose regarding whether local municipalities could require cable operators to open their networks to other ISPs.



• In October 2003, the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court vacated the FCC declaratory ruling that had classified cable modem service as an "information service without a separate offering of a telecommunications service." The FCC promptly appealed the decision. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has now declined to review the lower court's ruling.



• The FCC's declaratory ruling, which was issued 15-March-2002, classified cable modem service as an “information service�? rather than a “cable service.�? As an interstate information service, cable modem service would therefore be subject to FCC jurisdiction rather than state or local rules.

Read More