ADC to Resell Overture's Ethernet Access and Transport Platforms

ADC has entered into an OEM agreement with Overture Networks to supply its new LoopStar 700 Ethernet access and transport system. The LoopStar 700 portfolio of Ethernet multi-service access solutions can be used to aggregate, deploy and manage Ethernet and TDM services. Available network interfaces include NxT1/E1, DS3, NxDS3, OC3c/STM1, OC12c/STM4, 100FX, and GigE, as well as drop side (tributary) interfaces of DS1, 10/100 BT, 100FX and GigE. The LoopStar 700 family also provides a solution for Pseudo Wire (PWE3) T1/E1/J1 circuit emulation transport, making it economical for business applications or cell site backhaul which require both Ethernet and TDM over a single network service or private network facility.



The LoopStar 700 can be deployed in point-to-point, star, and ring configurations, and is compatible with other Ethernet manufacturer solutions as an access terminal multiplexer. All standard Ethernet element features are available in the LoopStar 700 including layer 2 switching, rate-limiting, 802.1p prioritization, 802.1q VLAN switching and stacking, 802.3ad link aggregation and Remote Monitoring (RMON). The LoopStar 700 also provides highly reliable fail-safe protection in the event of a facility failure with its proprietary sub-50 milliseconds automatic Protect Switching Ring (PSR) capability, which is equivalent to SONET-level reliability.



ADC's wireline portfolio also includes its LoopStar 800, 810 and 1600 SONET multi-service transmission systems, the SG-1 Service Gateway, Soneplex Loop Extender systems and broadband systems, HiGain modules and Wideband 3190 systems, as well as the Megabit Modem family of DSL-based customer premise equipment.

http://www.overturenetworks.comhttp://www.adc.com

Equipping Metro Optical Networks to Deliver Ethernet Services

Ethernet services represent a significant growth opportunity for service providers and a potentially significant productivity gain for customers. Both parties are looking to Ethernet to meet the growing demand for higher bandwidth, lower operational expenses and better management and control. To understand Ethernet services and revenues, you need to know the current positioning and where the market is headed. Like any new service offering Ethernet services are subject to a "life cycle" of technology and implementation.

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Fujitsu Enhances FLASHWAVE 4500 MSSP

Fujitsu Network Communications announced a series of significant service, functionality, and density enhancements to its flagship FLASHWAVE 4500 Multiservice Switching Platform (MSSP). Fujitsu holds the leading share position in the North American SONET/SDH market. The FLASHWAVE 4500 platform combines the benefits of an ultra high-capacity core network hub with advanced multiservice capabilities that allow Ethernet and broadband video services to be provisioned across existing SONET metropolitan transport networks.



Enhancements to the FLASHWAVE 4500 include:

• The addition of IEEE 802.17 Resilient Packet Ring (RPR) support. With this release, SONET, Ethernet over SONET (EoS), RPR, Generic Framing Procedure (GFP), Virtual Concatenation (VCAT), and high/low order grooming and switching capabilities have been combined on a single, high-capacity platform. This mix of service delivery technologies allows carriers to offer a wide variety of traditional DS1, DS3 and OC-n private line services, plus carrier-class 10 Mbps to Gigabit Ethernet Private Line (EPL) services, from a single network.



• The addition of a new 12-port DS3 Transmux interface card. This enables carriers to leverage the VT1.5 switch fabric of the FLASHWAVE 4500 platform to maximize the efficiency of TDM circuits. Each DS3 Transmux card can gather hundreds of low capacity VT1.5 circuits from DS1 interface cards or poorly utilized DS3 or OC-n connections, and multiplex them into fully utilized, high capacity STS-1 payloads. By transmitting a lesser quantity of fully utilized STS-1 payloads instead of many partially utilized payloads, carriers can reduce their Interoffice Facility (IOF) transport costs. Consolidating circuits in this manner before they enter a Digital Cross-connect System (DCS) also maximizes its switching efficiency and helps carriers postpone or eliminate the costly capital expense of adding or expanding a DCS.



• New four-port 10/100Base-T and two-port Gigabit Ethernet RPR over SONET interface cards. These perform a similar function as the DS3 Transmux cards, but they operate at Layer 2 on Ethernet circuits. RPR cards create customized partitions between TDM and packet bandwidth. Within the packet partition, the RPR cards support multiple classes of service and perform statistical multiplexing of Ethernet packets to maximize the utilization of path bandwidth for bursty data applications and allow more Ethernet services to be provisioned on a ring than with SONET alone. Ethernet/RPR Performance Monitoring (PM) and alarm management are integrated into the embedded management plane, allowing carriers to manage Service Level Agreements (SLAs) without an additional management infrastructure. Sub-50 millisecond ring protection is maintained using BLSR/UPSR for SONET and node re-route, steering, and protection for RPR per the IEEE 802.17 specification.



• New dual port OC-48 units -- these double the OC-48 density of the platform from an existing 60 ports to 120 ports in a multishelf FLASHWAVE 4500 system. Now, up to 15 OC-192 interoffice rings, 60 OC-48 interoffice/access rings, and hundreds of OC-12/OC-3 access rings can co-exist in the same FLASHWAVE 4500 shelf with DS1, DS3/EC1, 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet and DVB-ASI circuits.

In addition, expansion shelves with 100 Gbps of interface capacity per shelf can be added to a standard FLASHWAVE 4500 MSPP to support core grooming applications that traditionally require a high-cost DCS. By supporting a simple MSPP-to-MSSP migration as demand for increased bandwidth dictates, the FLASHWAVE 4500 platform simplifies sparing and planning, and minimizes the impact on existing operating systems, procedures and staff. http://us.fujitsu.com/telecom

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Broadwing and Hutchison Launch TransPacific Inter-Carrier Ethernet over VPLS

Broadwing Communications and Hutchison Global Communications launched a new inter-carrier international Ethernet network spanning the Pacific.



HGC has established interconnections with Broadwing to extend the reach of this Pan Asian VPLS network into the United States via Broadwing's new Converged Services Network. The reciprocal relationship enables international customers to connect multipoint Ethernet services from locations served in Asia by HGC, its Asian partners and others, with multipoint Ethernet circuits in the United States.



The network, driven by Virtual Private LAN Service (VPLS) technology, offers users multipoint international Ethernet services and enables enterprises to create a global Ethernet network.



Broadwing and HGC have already validated the demand for the new Trans-Pacific Ethernet solution by completing a 6 Mbps, Taiwan to California, Ethernet circuit for a leading Taiwanese manufacturer of computer peripherals. Broadwing and HGC installed the end-user connection only days after the primary interconnection was completed .

http://www.broadwing.com

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Cisco Launches Rich Media Communications Specialist Certification

Cisco Systems has added a Rich Media Communications Specialist certification to its Career Certifications program. The certification validates the skills and knowledge required to successfully plan, install and manage rich media communications in an IP network.



Cisco said certified specialists "will have the training to develop the expertise required to design, install and manage rich media applications to address new market demands, including integrating video conferencing applications into a voice and data network while delivering the same quality, switching, speed and clarity as is expected of the traditional telephone network. The Rich Media Communications Specialist certification prepares professionals to integrate video conferencing in an IP network independently, or with other deployments such as Cisco CallManager for IP telephony, Cisco Unity voice messaging or Cisco IP Contact Centers."http://www.cisco.com

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Siemens SURPASS Home Entertainment Deployed in Maine

Oxford Networks, one of Maine's leading local communication providers, has deployed the Siemens SURPASS Home Entertainment portfolio of IPTV solutions to provide IP television services via FTTH.

Oxford Networks is now equipped to provide IPTV services to more than 7,000 of its customers.

The Siemens SURPASS Home Entertainment portfolio is built on an open, standards-based architecture that enables back-office management tools and building blocks for the convergence of entertainment, communications and smart home solutions. The solution includes IPTV middleware from Myrio, a Siemens company.

Siemens said it provides end-to-end IPTV solutions to more than 75 U.S. regional operators as well as many more worldwide, including national operators such as KPN Royal Dutch Telecom and Belgacom in Europe and Advanced Datanetwork Communications (ADC) in Thailand.

In December, China's Shanghai Telecom Co., Ltd., and Shanghai Media Group (SMG) announced it will be collaborating with Siemens to offer IPTV services to a market that includes 25 million broadband users and 360 million television viewers. Globally, Siemens IPTV contracts cover more than 38 million broadband lines.

http://www.usa.siemens.com

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Zarlink Introduces ClassSwitch Ethernet Platform Targeting IP Video

Zarlink introduced its new ClassSwitch silicon aimed at line cards or compact systems deployed in Central Offices, Cable Head-Ends or Customer Premises Equipment that must aggregate, inspect and modify multiple real-time applications delivered over Fast and Gigabit Ethernet. The devices enable IP multicast packet-forwarding service distribution, a key element in the delivery of IP video.



Packets entering the devices are classified to a flow based on user-defined rules, using information such as frame source and destination address or applications using L2 (Layer 2) to L7 (Layer 7) fields of incoming packets. Up to 1,024 distinct flows can be created per device. The architecture supports per-flow two-rate, three-color metering and policing. Scheduling algorithms, such as SP (strict priority) and WFQ (weighted fair queuing), manage packets and prioritize queued traffic.



Additional traffic flow classification features allow operators to better manage service level agreements and access control. With multiple classification fields, network operators can precisely monitor network traffic, ensure packets are forwarded to specific ports, specify transmission and dropping priorities, and maintain secure connections for their customers.



The first two devices in the ClassSwitch line includes the ZL33042 with 24 FE (Fast Ethernet) + 2 GE (Gigabit Ethernet) port configurations and the ZL33046 Ethernet switch delivering 16 FE + 2 GE port configurations. Future devices will incorporate lower and higher data throughput and optional port count configurations.



"With the demand for IP video applications over packet networks and escalating security threats, operators must guarantee proper handling of IP multicast traffic while ensuring policy off-load and content protection," said Mauricio Peres, product line director, Packet Switching, Zarlink Semiconductor. "Our carrier-grade ClassSwitch platform integrates advanced packet identification and user flow policing, metering and filtering to support effective IP policy provisioning, allowing network operators to efficiently deliver advanced applications."http://www.zarlink.com

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Pure Networks Raises $12.5 Million for Home Networking Software

Pure Networks, a start-up based in Seattle, secured $12.5 million in new funding for its Network Magic home networking software and services.



Network Magic is software for consumers that resides on each computer within a home network, connecting and unifying the many different PCs, routers, gateways, and networked devices into a seamless home network. To manage and repair the home network, Network Magic shows a visual Network Map of all computers and devices on the home network, making it easy for the average PC user to understand and run his or her own home network. When installed, Network Magic automatically configures a Windows 98 and above PC to access and share with others. A "Repair" button and the Network Map help to eliminate a common frustration of broken internet connections by allowing anyone to easily fix the Internet or their home network when trouble occurs. Network Magic's Network Map will also show when Intruders are on your home network and provide clear steps to help secure it.



Network Magic has over 160,000 users and growing its user base with 2,000-3,000 users daily. It costs $39.99 (U.S.) for download and includes one year of the Net2GO remote access/file sharing service.



The new funding came from Bessemer Venture Partners, Ignition Partners and Mayfield.

http://www.purenetworks.com

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Connexion by Boeing Simplifies In-Flight Web Pricing

Connexion by Boeing announced a new pricing structure for its in-flight, Internet service.



Internet Time 1 hour US$9.95


2 hours US$14.95


3 hours US$17.95


including connecting flights 24 hours US$26.95



In addition, the Connexion by Boeing service will begin offering four channels of live TV from BBC World, EURNews, EURsportnews, CNBC and MSNBC.

http://www.connexionbyboeing.com

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VeriSign to Acquire CallVision for Carrier Billing Services

VeriSign agreed to acquire Seattle-based CallVision, a provider of online analysis applications, for $30 million net of acquired cash. The acquisition will enable VeriSign to deliver converged electronic bill presentation, payment and customer self-care applications to mobile operators, Tier 1 carriers, broadband companies and consumer-brand MVNOs worldwide.



CallVision clients include T-Mobile, Bell Canada, TelstraClear and AAPT (Australia). http://www.verisign.com

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Mobile Satellite Ventures Plans Targets 2009/2010 for Launch

Mobile Satellite Ventures (MSV), a provider of hybrid satellite-cellular communications backed by Columbia Capital, Spectrum Equity Investors and others, selected Boeing for a new generation of mobile satellites serving North and South America beginning in 2010.



MSV awarded a contract valued at $500 million to $1 billion to Boeing for the construction of three satellites and associated ground systems. Although financial details were not disclosed, Boeing said this is the largest commercial satellite order it has booked since 1997.



The network will based on MSV's patented Ancillary Terrestrial Component (ATC) technology, which will combine satellite and cellular technology to deliver reliable, advanced and widespread voice and data coverage. The service will use wireless devices that are "virtually identical to cell phone handsets in terms of aesthetics, cost, and functionality."



Boeing will also develop ground-based systems that will provide advanced beam forming flexibility and interference cancellation unprecedented in commercial satellite systems.



The satellites will be among the largest and most powerful ever built. Each spacecraft will supply 11,000 watts of power through 5-panel solar array wings using highly efficient triple-junction Gallium arsenide cells. The 22-meter L-band reflector for mobile terminal links will complement a 1.5 meter Ku-band antenna.



MSV-1 and MSV-2 satellites will cover Canada; the United States, including Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico; the Virgin Islands; Mexico and the Caribbean Basin. The third satellite, MSV-SA will introduce MSV's advanced communications services into South America. The satellites are scheduled to launch in 2009 and 2010.

http://www.boeing.comhttp://www.msvlp.com

• Ancillary Terrestrial Component (ATC) technology which allows existing satellite phone spectrum to also be used over dedicated terrestrial networks, with call capacity managed and reallocated, in real time, between satellite and terrestrial networks via a common control center. Calls can be made over either network using the same phone handset. ATC technology could be used to supplement satellite phone service with a ground-based network to provide a "back-up" signal in and around buildings where satellite signals cannot reach.



• In January 2003, the FCC granted permission for mobile satellite providers to operate ancillary terrestrial components in their networks using three frequency bands . Specifically, the mobile satellite operators were permitted to use their existing spectrum for both satellite-provided connectivity and terrestrial or tower-based repeaters. They will not be permitted to use their spectrum to offer terrestrial-only services. The terrestrial component would serve only to augment the satellite signals in areas where coverage would otherwise be difficult, such as urban areas or to solve indoor coverage problems. The decision covers three spectrum bands: 2GHz, Big LEO and L-band. The FCC concluded that technically it would be more efficient, feasible and practical to permit MSS licensees to include a terrestrial component in their satellite systems to serve consumers than to award terrestrial rights in the band to third parties. Companies that were granted authorizations to operate mobile satellite services in the 2 GHz band included Boeing, Celstat America, Constellation Communications Holdings, Globalstar, ICO Services, Iridium, Mobile Communications Holdings, and TMI Communications. At the time, the ruling was opposed by wireless carriers, including AT&T Wireless, Verizon Wireless and Cingular Wireless.

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Chelsio Supplies 10GbE Adapters to Western Scientific

Western Scientific, a global provider of high-performance computing and reliable storage solutions, is integrating Chelsio's high performance 10Gb Ethernet adapter with TCP offload technology into its high-performance computing and storage solutions. Chelsio's T210 10GbE adapter card has been certified for deployment in the Western Scientific Fusion server and FusionSA storage server appliances. http://www.chelsio.comhttp://westernscientific.com/

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CMP Acquires MediaLive -- Interop, VoiceCon, NGN Conferences

CMP Media has acquired MediaLive International's Technology Media Group, a leading producer of technology conferences, for $65 million. MediaLive's brand portfolio includes 20 annual global events, including Interop, VoiceCon, Next Generation Networks, as well as fast-growing, emerging events such as the Collaborative Technologies Conference, Mobile Business Expo and Web 2.0 (in partnership with O'Reilly Media.)



Earlier this week, CMP announced its acquisition of Shorecliff Communications, another conference organizer. Shorecliff's conferences include RFID World, Broadband Wireless World, Tower Summit & Trade Show and TelcoTV. Other events include Computer Security Institute, Black Hat, and the Embedded Systems, Software Development and Game Developer Conferences.
http://www.cmp.com

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Fujitsu Enhances FLASHWAVE 4500 MSSP

Fujitsu Network Communications announced a series of significant service, functionality, and density enhancements to its flagship FLASHWAVE 4500 Multiservice Switching Platform (MSSP). Fujitsu holds the leading share position in the North American SONET/SDH market. The FLASHWAVE 4500 platform combines the benefits of an ultra high-capacity core network hub with advanced multiservice capabilities that allow Ethernet and broadband video services to be provisioned across existing SONET metropolitan transport networks.



Enhancements to the FLASHWAVE 4500 include:

• The addition of IEEE 802.17 Resilient Packet Ring (RPR) support. With this release, SONET, Ethernet over SONET (EoS), RPR, Generic Framing Procedure (GFP), Virtual Concatenation (VCAT), and high/low order grooming and switching capabilities have been combined on a single, high-capacity platform. This mix of service delivery technologies allows carriers to offer a wide variety of traditional DS1, DS3 and OC-n private line services, plus carrier-class 10 Mbps to Gigabit Ethernet Private Line (EPL) services, from a single network.



• The addition of a new 12-port DS3 Transmux interface card. This enables carriers to leverage the VT1.5 switch fabric of the FLASHWAVE 4500 platform to maximize the efficiency of TDM circuits. Each DS3 Transmux card can gather hundreds of low capacity VT1.5 circuits from DS1 interface cards or poorly utilized DS3 or OC-n connections, and multiplex them into fully utilized, high capacity STS-1 payloads. By transmitting a lesser quantity of fully utilized STS-1 payloads instead of many partially utilized payloads, carriers can reduce their Interoffice Facility (IOF) transport costs. Consolidating circuits in this manner before they enter a Digital Cross-connect System (DCS) also maximizes its switching efficiency and helps carriers postpone or eliminate the costly capital expense of adding or expanding a DCS.



• New four-port 10/100Base-T and two-port Gigabit Ethernet RPR over SONET interface cards. These perform a similar function as the DS3 Transmux cards, but they operate at Layer 2 on Ethernet circuits. RPR cards create customized partitions between TDM and packet bandwidth. Within the packet partition, the RPR cards support multiple classes of service and perform statistical multiplexing of Ethernet packets to maximize the utilization of path bandwidth for bursty data applications and allow more Ethernet services to be provisioned on a ring than with SONET alone. Ethernet/RPR Performance Monitoring (PM) and alarm management are integrated into the embedded management plane, allowing carriers to manage Service Level Agreements (SLAs) without an additional management infrastructure. Sub-50 millisecond ring protection is maintained using BLSR/UPSR for SONET and node re-route, steering, and protection for RPR per the IEEE 802.17 specification.



• New dual port OC-48 units -- these double the OC-48 density of the platform from an existing 60 ports to 120 ports in a multishelf FLASHWAVE 4500 system. Now, up to 15 OC-192 interoffice rings, 60 OC-48 interoffice/access rings, and hundreds of OC-12/OC-3 access rings can co-exist in the same FLASHWAVE 4500 shelf with DS1, DS3/EC1, 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet and DVB-ASI circuits.

In addition, expansion shelves with 100 Gbps of interface capacity per shelf can be added to a standard FLASHWAVE 4500 MSPP to support core grooming applications that traditionally require a high-cost DCS. By supporting a simple MSPP-to-MSSP migration as demand for increased bandwidth dictates, the FLASHWAVE 4500 platform simplifies sparing and planning, and minimizes the impact on existing operating systems, procedures and staff. http://us.fujitsu.com/telecom

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