In conjunction with its Worldwide Analyst Conference 2005 this week in San Jose, Cisco Systems cited growing momentum for its IP Next-Generation Network (IP NGN) architecture and announced a series of product enhancements for IMS-based applications. Cisco cited Fixed-Mobile Convergence (FMC) as a primary driver for IP NGN.
Recent service provider adoption of Cisco's IP NGN include China Telecom, Cable&Wireless (UK), Telstra (Australia), Hong Kong Broadband, SaskTel (Canada) and Euskaltel (Spain).
The Cisco Service Exchange Framework (SEF), which is the service convergence layer of the Cisco IP NGN architecture, has added support for Session Initiation Protocol (SIP)-based applications aligned with IMS standards as well as non-IMS applications.
Key product enhancements being announced today include the following:
- Session Border Control (SBC) functionality integrated in the Cisco XR 12000 Series Routers. This builds on Layer 2/Layer 3 services with native IOS XR implementation and enables interprovider peering and provider access deployments with support for unified or distributed signaling.
- MPLS-enabled MGX 8880 media gateway -- for wireless, wireline and cable operators. The Cisco MGX is now PacketCable qualified and is optimized for IMS and non-IMS applications
- Cisco Call Session Control Platform (CSCP), Release 3.0 -- provides carrier-grade IMS Call Session Control Function (CSCF) for multimedia services delivered over IP networks. CSCP release 3.0 includes support for the IMS ISC application interface, enabling innovative standards-based applications for voice over broadband, push-to-talk, presence-based services, video telephony and FMC. Release 3.0 also provides enhancements in scalability, provisioning, security and QoS policy enforcement.
- Cisco Service Control Engine (SCE), Release 3.0 -- uses deep-packet inspection and application classification, allowing service providers to offer application-and-subscriber-aware services. Cisco SCE Release 3.0 provides monitoring of VoIP call quality in real-time and reports on individual subscriber experience on a per-call basis. Additional enhancements include integration with third party anti-virus, security and intrusion detection appliances and performance enhancements allowing the system to scale to support 10 Gbps or greater throughput, creating more efficient network deployments.
- PGW2200, Release 9.7 -- a media gateway controller that is widely deployed in VoIP networks, enabling interworking between IP NGN and fixed and mobile legacy telephony networks. PGW 2200 Release 9.7 supports Media Gateway Control Function (MGCF) for IMS and more than 90 SS7/C7 global signaling variants.
- BTS 10200, Release 4.5 -- a softswitch for voice-over-any-broadband access including T1/E1, Cable, ETTx, xDSL. BTS 10200 release 4.5 offers enhanced operational capabilities, new subscriber-focused features, platform support and IMS integration. The BTS 10200 interworks with IMS networks for advanced multimedia services and is deployable as a stand-alone Call Management Server or MGCF.
