Nevis Networks Extends NAC with ASIC-drive LAN Security

Nevis Networks, a start-up offering enterprise LAN security switches and appliances, demonstrated how its LAN security switching technology supports all three elements of Microsoft Network Access Protection (NAP) security framework, which includes the 802.1x standard, Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) and IPsec technologies.



The Nevis LAN security platforms use a multi-core ASIC to provide deep security inspection of each packet at full LAN speeds. The company offers an enterprise Ethernet switch with 48 10/100/1000 Mbps ports and 10 Gbps of security processing power. To complement existing Ethernet switch deployments, the company also offers a LAN appliance with the same "bump in the wire" deep packet inspection security.



Nevis uses Microsoft's NAP to continuously enforce pre- and post-connect network access control for individual users accessing LAN and data center resources from wired, wireless, remote and branch locations. NAP is a policy enforcement technology built into the operating systems of Windows Vista and the upcoming "Longhorn" Windows Server. The Nevis "LANenforcer" LAN security switch and appliance auto-sense NAP clients and act as a network enforcement point within the NAP framework. The LANenforcer systems also auto-sense non-NAP and non-Windows endpoints to provide additional pre-connect authentication checks. This enables heterogeneous networks with some NAP deployments.



Nevis said that by supporting all three NAP technologies (802.1x, DHCP and IPsec), its customers have the flexibility to select the underlying technology most appropriate for their specific network infrastructure security needs.

http://www.nevisnetworks.com/

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Verizon Business Debuts Network-Based Firewall Service, Expands DoS Protection

Verizon Business introduced a network-based, Secure Gateway - Firewall service aimed at U.S.-based multinational customers.



Verizon Business' Secure Gateway-Firewall uses a Web-based Graphic User Interface (GUI) allowing the customer to define and modify policies for public Internet traffic allowed on their private network. Customers can centrally control both inbound and outbound traffic on demand, consolidating network access points and eliminating the need for multiple Internet connections and premises-based firewalls. The network-based service can be used with all four Verizon Business networks: Private IP, vBNS+, Frame Relay and ATM.



Verizon Business is using Cisco as its equipment supplier for the service.



In addition to Secure Gateway - Firewall, Verizon offers two other Secure Gateway services: Retail and Remote Office, which securely connects a customer's fixed remote locations to the customer's Private IP or other Verizon private network using the public Internet; and Secure Gateway - Mobile User, which gives remote employees secure connectivity to company data. All are backed by service level agreements (SLAs).



Verizon Business also announced the expansion of its network-based Denial of Service (DoS) security offering to 11 countries in Europe. The Verizon DoS Defense Mitigation Services was previously available in the United States.



Noting that denial of service attacks are growing in frequency and sophistication, Verizon Business said its DoS services detect and combat malicious worms and viruses before they reach a customer's network and creates havoc. The service is backed by a 15-minute-response service level agreement (SLA) upon attack notification.



http://www.verizonbusiness.com/

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Kineto and TI Integrate UMA Client with OMAP-Vox Processor

Kineto Wireless is working with Texas Instruments to enable UMA support on TI's OMAP-Vox platform. Target applications include UMA-enabled Microsoft Windows Mobile smartphones and UMA-enabled feature phones based on the TI OMAPV1030 GSM/GPRS/EDGE solution. Both parties plan to extend the UMA collaboration to other operating systems and potentially other TI mobile handset platforms.



"Operator demand for UMA-enabled handsets continues to grow
rapidly," said Avner Goren, marketing director of Texas Instruments
Cellular Systems Solutions.

http://www.kineto.com

http://www.ti.com

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Shenick Announces 10Gbps Stateful IP Application Traffic Emulator

Shenick Network Systems announced a 10 Gbps stateful IP application traffic tester that enables equipment manufacturers and network operators to test IP services at an application, network and user quality of experience level.


The company said current testing at 10 Gbps levels has been restricted to one-way (stateless) packet blasting that simply fills connections to capacity without creating true live conditions involving real-user interaction. In contrast, Shenick's diversifEye10G, provides two-way (stateful) converged services and IP application traffic emulation. The system offers the ability to test at an application and network level as well as drill down to each IPTV, VoD, VoIP and data user.


Whereas other 10 Gbps test solutions rely on small microprocessors and FPGAs to generate largely stateless traffic. Shenick said its diversifEye10G uses large processing power to generate stateful IP flows so that real video can be multi- or unicast and its visual quality perceptually measured across thousands of flows. Similarly, millions of web connections or tens of thousands of voice over IP calls per second can be generated and analyzed for quality.


diversifEye10G will be available on general release from March 2007.
http://www.shenick.com

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Equinix to Purchase Its Flagship Silicon Valley IBX

Equinix will acquire its flagship Silicon Valley property for $65.0 million.



"Like the purchase of our Washington DC area campus in 2005, we have acquired our Silicon Valley IBX, a strategic interconnection hub on the West Coast. The acquisition will enable us to gain long-term control of this strategic IBX center," said Peter Van Camp, chairman and CEO, Equinix.

http://www.equinix.com

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TiVo to Offer Amazon “Unbox�? Video Downloading

TiVo and Amazon.com announced a video downloading partnership. TiVo subscribers with a broadband-enabled box will have the ability to rent and purchase movies and television shows from Amazon.com "Amazon Unbox on TiVo" is currently in beta testing among a select group of TiVo subscribers.http://www.tivo.com/amazonhttp://www.amazon.com/unbox

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Acme Packet Reports Q4 Revenue of $23.7M, up 87% YoY

Acme Packet, a supplier of session border control solutions, reported Q4 2006 revenues of $23.7 million, up 87% year over year. Net income (GAAP) was $10.8 million. The company said it now has 360 service provider customers -- including 72 of the one hundred largest tier one service providers in the world.

http://www.acmepacket.com

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ConSentry Integrates its LANShield with Microsoft's NAP

ConSentry Networks has integrated its LANShield access control platforms with Microsoft Network Access Protection (NAP). The integration of ConSentry's network-based enforcement platform with Microsoft's admission control and endpoint posture check enables access controls. Specifically, ConSentry's LANShield provides admission control, LAN visibility, identity-based control, and threat control. With the ConSentry platform, enterprises can define specific post-admission policies that control where users can go and what they can do on the network, based on their roles. These post-admission, network-based controls complement the admission controls in Microsoft Network Access Protection.



ConSentry said the integration with Microsoft Network Access Protection allows enterprises to extend their access control policies to adjust access rights based on the health of the PC, as reported by the Microsoft Network Access Protection architecture.



Network Access Protection is a policy enforcement technology built into the Windows Vista and Windows Server (code-named "Longhorn") operating systems that allows customers to better protect network assets from unhealthy computers by enforcing compliance with network health policies.

http://www.consentry.com

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Ixia Enhances SSL Security Testing Capabilities

Ixia introduced new SSL security testing capabilities in its IxLoad - Triple Play test solution that result in performance gains of more than 300 percent. IxLoad now harnesses dedicated security processors on Ixia's Encryption Load Module (ELM) to enable increases in SSL throughput and connection rates. Additional improvements include updated encryption algorithms to increase the range of encryption strengths that can be tested, and customizable security certificate selection for greater flexibility.



IxLoad emulates IPTV and Triple Play subscribers and associated protocols to ensure subscriber Quality of Experience (QoE). Protocols supported include video protocols like MPEG, IGMP, and RTSP; voice protocols like SIP and MGCP; and data protocols like HTTP, FTP, and SMTP. In addition, IxLoad can be used to test critical aspects of the infrastructure like DNS, DHCP, and AAA services, as well generate malicious traffic to test for security.


http://www.ixiacom.com

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Ixia Launches Test Suite for Mobile IPv6

Ixia introduced a conformance test suite for Mobile Ipv6 as part of its IxANVL test product.



Ixia said its IxANVL conformance test suite with Mobile IPv6 support can run over either its Optixia test platform or on stand-alone PC platforms. Ixia's IxANVL test suite emulates Mobile IPv6-capable nodes or routers at the control plane level, and executes an extensive set of test scenarios to determine how the device under test complies with Mobile IPv6 standards. In addition, IxANVL test suites are designed to validate various IPv6 transition mechanisms and routing protocols. Ixia's test suite also tests problems due to incompatibility between legacy IPv4 infrastructure and multiple vendors' IPv6 systems under realistic load conditions.



Ixia supports IPv6 testing across its product line. Ixia's IxLoad triple play test capability validates network performance and device interoperability running voice, video and stateful data traffic over IPv6 networks. IxChariot verifies end-to-end performance metrics of IPv6 networks by simulating stateful Layer 4 through Layer 7 application traffic. IxNetwork provides a framework for executing large capacity performance and scalability testing, including a variety of IPv6 routing protocols and DHCPv6.



Ixia's Mobile IPv6 test suite will be available in Q2 2007.
http://www.ixiacom.com/

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Nokia Selects Infineon Chips for Entry-Level GSM Phones

Nokia has selected Infineon as a supplier of baseband and RF (Radio frequency) chips for GSM mobile handsets. The highly integrated single-chip E-GOLDvoice will be incorporated in selected future entry level phones from Nokia. Infineon's solution combines a baseband processor, radio frequency transceiver, power management unit and RAM in a footprint measuring just 8 mm x 8 mm. The solution is designed for voice-centric phones with features like color display, text messages, MP3 quality ring tones and applications such as Integrated Handsfree and Speaking Clock.
http://www.infineon.com

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Bell Canada Reports Continuing Local Line Losses

Bell Canada revenues were $17,348 million in 2006, an increase of 0.7% compared to the year before. Q4 revenues of $4,451 million were unchanged compared to last year, due in part to a shift away from one time hardware sales. Due largely to restructuring and previously announced net benefit plan costs, Bell Canada's operating income was $782 million in the quarter, $105 million lower than in Q4 2005.



"This was another quarter of steady progress in what has been a year of continuing improvement in our financial performance," said Michael Sabia, President and Chief Executive Officer of BCE and Chief Executive Officer of Bell Canada. "The ramping up of our EBITDA growth, an improving business mix, very strong performance on cost reduction, and our expectation that we will see stabilization of access line losses in 2007 give us confidence that we are on the right trajectory to deliver our 2007 business plan."



Some highlights of the report:

• Bell Canada said the combination of overall subscriber growth and significant ARPU increases in wireless, video and Internet growth platforms contributed to revenue growth in 2006, offsetting the erosion in the company's high-margin wireline business. Residential revenues for the year increased 1.2% to $7,099 million; revenues in Q4 were $1,811 million, a 1.3% increase over the same period last year.



• Local access line (NAS) losses in Q4 were in line with company expectations. Local revenue erosion decreased by 4.5% compared to 5.8% in the third quarter of 2006. NAS losses in Q4 amounted to 181,000 lines, compared to 122,000 losses in Q4 2005. Total NAS at year-end declined by 4.2% over year-end 2005. Due to improved performance in the residential sector, overall long-distance revenues declined 12.3% in the quarter, an improvement from a decline of 14.1% the year before.



• Wireless, video and high-speed Internet subscriber growth was adversely affected by reduced net additions resulting from reduced store traffic compared to the 2005 holiday period, and the ongoing intense competition in these sectors.



• Wireless revenues increased 14.5%, to $925 million, in Q4 and 13.2%, to $3,491 million for the year.



• Blended ARPU increased $2 to $53 in Q4; postpaid ARPU was up $2 to $66, its highest fourth quarter level ever, while prepaid ARPU was up $1 to $15.



• The total wireless subscriber base grew to 5.87 million, up 7.9% from the previous year.



• Video revenues grew by 11.2% to $298 million in Q4, while revenues for the year grew by 17.8% to $1,150 million. ARPU increased by $3 to $55.



• Internet subscribers grew to 2.46 million, a year-over-year increase of 12.2%; Q4 net additions were 59,000, as compared to 61,000 net adds in Q4 2005.

http://www.bce.ca

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Tektronix Expands its Mobile WiMAX Protocol Test Solution

Tektronix introduced two dedicated Mobile WiMAX (802.16e-2005) test solutions: one for functional test and WiMAX infrastructure simulation based on expanded capabilities to the G35-WiMAX solution; and one for monitoring purposes based on the Tektronix Network and Service Analyzer (NSA) platform which adds troubleshooting and performance analysis capabilities to ensure the delivery of high quality and leading edge WiMAX solutions.


Tektronix' G35-WiMAX solution was first introduced in October 2006 featuring in-depth decoding of R1 and R6 interfaces. Tektronix now completes the portfolio of functional test applications with the introduction of R1 and R3 simulation on the G35-WiMAX. Alcatel-Lucent is the first to use the G35-WiMAX solution in the development of its WiMAX (802.16e-2005) network infrastructure equipment.
http://www.teketronix.com

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Sierra Wireless Introduces HSUPA Products

Sierra Wireless introduced four adapter cards and two embedded modules for HSUPA networks, which will offer faster wireless upload speeds up to a theoretical maximum of 2 Mbps. Downlink speeds are also improved over currently available models, with a theoretical maximum download speed of 7.2 Mbps. All of the products offer tri-band UMTS/HSPA and quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE network access for roaming on high-speed networks worldwide.
http://www.sierrawireless.com/product/HSUPA_products.aspx

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Ericsson Opens Experience Center Prototype Lab in Plano

Ericsson has opened an "Experience Prototype Lab" at its North American headquarters in Plano, Texas. The facility is one of Ericsson's three global Experience Centers, which provide critical facilities for exploring, testing and refining new IP-based communications solutions. Ericsson said customers will get to take a vital look at "working" technology and can engage in the process of assessing various solutions. The Prototype Lab is also intended to seed the growth of Ericsson's technology ecosystem. For example, Ericsson is developing network architecture that addresses the security of IP-based communications, an important issue that is not fully addressed by standards bodies. The company's work developing security applications such as encryption and two-way authentication will serve industries such as financial services and healthcare. In addition to Prototype Lab, Ericsson also operates an Experience Center in Plano to showcase the latest in network solutions and applications for operators and end users.

http://www.ericsson.com

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Centillium Unveils Gigabit EPON Chipset

Centillium Communications expanded its end-to-end FTTH semiconductor portfolio with the commercial release of its next-generation Mustang 300 system-on-chip (SoC). The chipset is designed for Ethernet passive optical networks (EPON) customer premise equipment (CPE).



Centillium's Mustang chipset supports traffic management, classification and filtering for up to 256 multicast groups, and up to eight different service types. The design integrates all packet buffer and program memories in a compact package, reducing the ONU bill of materials (BOM) to just five components: optical transceiver, Gigabit PHY, FLASH, power supply and Mustang 300.


 
"The next-generation Mustang, combined with Centillium's Colt Optical Line Terminal (OLT) SoC and Zeus 2 burst-mode transceiver, strengthen the company's market position as the only silicon vendor with complete, end-to-end EPON solutions for the 'last mile,'" said Didier Boivin, vice president of marketing for Centillium.

http://www.centillium.com

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Polycom to Acquire SpectraLink for VoWiFi

Polycom will acquire SpectraLink for approximately $220 million ($11.75 per share).



SpectraLink designs, manufactures, and markets wireless telephone systems that integrate with an enterprise's existing telephone system. Its NetLink Wireless Telephones operate over Wi-Fi networks using a proprietary SpectraLink Voice Priority (SVP) mechanism to ensure voice quality. The company also offers the "Link Wireless Telephone System" (Link WTS), which uses proprietary Base Stations operating at 902-928 MHz. The product line also includes the SpectraLink Dect System which works with most enterprise communication systems through either an analog, T1 or IP interface.

"The SpectraLink acquisition extends Polycom's leading IP-based collaboration solution to the rapidly-growing mobility environment," stated Robert Hagerty, Chairman and CEO of Polycom.

For Q4 2006, SpectraLink reported revenue of $37.5 million, a decline of 7 percent compared with consolidated pro forma revenue for the prior-year fourth quarter. Gross margin for the fourth quarter was $20.2 million compared to $24.4 million pro forma results for the fourth quarter of 2005. GAAP net income for the fourth quarter of 2006 was $573 thousand or 3 cents per diluted share.

http://www.spectralink.com

http://www.polycom.com

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