Monday, February 14, 2005

Alcatel Endorses AdvancedTCA for Carrier Equipment

Alcatel endorsed the Advanced Telecom Computing Architecture (AdvancedTCA) as its preferred architecture for the evolution of its mobile and fixed network infrastructure platforms. Alcatel plans to leverage AdvancedTCA across its entire portfolio of network solutions, thereby aiming to reduce the total cost of ownership for fixed and mobile operators.


AdvancedTCA is an open industry standard for carrier-grade blade-based servers, targeting the requirements for next-generation telecommunications network equipment. The series of specifications is designed to provide higher I/O capacity and computing performance, improved reliability and flexibility, reduced equipment footprint and power consumption, as well as greater choice and interoperability of components at multiple levels of the solution 'stack'.


Alcatel said its has been working over the past year to define and develop modular communications platforms built upon AdvancedTCA, Carrier-Grade Linux and other industry standards. As part of this program, Alcatel has initiated an active collaboration with Intel.


At 3GSM World Congress 2005 in Cannes, Alcatel announced its first AdvancedTCA-compliant SGSN (Serving GPRS Support Node), a service-critical mobile core network element which provides the continuity of data communication throughout the different cells of the mobile network. Alcatel also leverages AdvancedTCA technology in its Alcatel 5020 Softswitch for fixed networks, further building upon its current successful product based on an earlier version of AdvancedTCA technology.
http://www.alcatel.com

  • In October 2004, HP outlined its plans for an Advanced Open Telecom Platform (AOTP) that leverages modular, standards-based technologies for commercial and carrier-grade platforms (rack-mount, blade and custom) for the heart of voice, data and media networks.


  • In September 2004, Sun Microsystems announced its intention to launch an Advanced Telecom Computing Architecture (AdvancedTCA)-compliant product family supporting both the Solaris operating system (OS) and Carrier-Grade Linux operating systems. Sun's Netra AdvancedTCA systems will include UltraSPARC and AMD Opteron-based processor designs for telecom applications, such as 3G. Sun also unveiled an AC version of its UltraSPARC processor and Solaris OS-based Netra 440 system for telecom, defense and OEM customers.


  • In June 2004, AudioCodes announced the evolution of its VoIPerfect architecture to comply with AdvancedTCA (ATCA) specifications. This new product line leverages AudioCodes 2000 LBR-channel TPM-6300 Voice over Packet Media gateway module. The ATCA board, will offer a high channel density of up to 2016 LBR VoIP channels.


  • In June 2004, Motorola's Computer Group introduced an Application-Enabling Platform built on the Advanced Telecom Computing Architecture (AdvancedTCA) and designed to speed time-to-market and lower both manufacturing and life cycle costs for telecom equipment manufacturers.