Alcatel-Lucent to OEM ConSentry's LanShield

ConSentry Networks announced a multi-year worldwide Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) agreement under which Alcatel-Lucent will market is LANShield Switch and LANShield Controller platforms as well as its
InSight Command Center. The ConSentry products will be sold under the OmniAccess SafeGuard brand across the global Alcatel-Lucent enterprise market beginning in March 2007.



The ConSentry LANShield family supports both pre-admission and post-admission controls, providing enterprises with a solution for controlling access to resources and applications on the LAN. http://www.consentry.com

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Siemens Introduces HiPath MobileConnect FMC Solution

Siemens Enterprise Communications unveiled its HiPath MobileConnect enterprise FMC solution for seamlessly unifying fixed enterprise VoIP, VoWLAN and cellular networks. The MobileConnect FMC solution delivers one number and one mailbox with a seamless handover between wireless (WiFi) and cellular networks.



MobileConnect consists of two elements; the first is an appliance that resides between the enterprise IP communications server and WLAN.
The appliance continuously monitors dual mode mobile devices and call sessions. Enterprises are able to set policies to optimize call costs, switching call sessions off the public mobile network whenever possible.



The Siemens MobileConnect solution also consists of a software client that resides in the dual mode handset and works with the MobileConnect device to enable the seamless handover between the corporate wireless LAN network and the cellular exchange.



Siemens said its HiPath MobileConnect is based on open standards, and can interoperate with virtually any SIP-supported IP telephony, WLAN and dual-mode handset. Siemens has certified HiPath MobileConnect with the Siemens HiPath 8000 communications server, the Siemens HiPath Wireless platform and market leading dual-mode handsets. Ongoing testing with other platforms and devices is underway.
http://www.siemens.com/enterprise

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European Commission Opposes "Regulatory Holiday" for DT

The European Commission sent a letter of formal notice to Germany after repeated warnings not to adopt legislation that could grant Deutsche Telekom a 'regulatory holiday' in spite of its dominant position on the German broadband market. The European Commission said it is giving Germany 15 days to reply, and then it intends to refer the case to the European Court of Justice.



Specifically, the European Commission is objecting to a German telecom law that just entered into force that effectively exempts Deutsche Telekom's new VDSL network from competition, as had been requested by the German incumbent operator. DT is still partly owned by the German State.

"The German decision to grant Deutsche Telekom a 'regulatory holiday' is bound to lead to numerous legal disputes at EU and national level," said Commissioner Viviane Reding. "This is the worst possible signal for investment, as now neither the incumbent nor new market entrants will have legal certainty in Germany. Efficient implementation of EU telecom rules would clearly have been the better way to promote both competition and investment."http://www.europa.eu

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Mexico's Maxcom Juniper's M-series

Maxcom, a Mexican national telecommunications carrier, has upgraded its IP/MPLS backbone network with Juniper Networks M-series. Maxcom had previously deployed Juniper Networks E-series at the network edge as the first phase of an upgrade to enable the introduction of IPTV and other advanced multiplay services, and is now upgrading its core with the M-series to ensure consistent quality, reliability and performance throughout the IP network. Financial terms were not disclosed.

http://www.juniper.net

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Hatteras Integrates Loop Management Tool into Mid-band Ethernet

Hatteras Networks has integrated a Time-Domain Reflectometer (TDR) into its Mid-Band Ethernet platforms, enabling carriers to accurately perform loop prequalification, and to monitor/maintain selected network facilities throughout the life of their deployment. These critical activities can be performed from either the central office or from a remote location via a web interface.



Hatteras Networks said its new TDR solution performs two critical tasks that save carriers from losing unnecessary time and money. The first, loop prequalification, is a one-time operation that involves the testing of a copper pair to determine the suitability for, and expected performance of, the intended service. Loop prequalification includes detection of flaws in the underlying copper infrastructure as well as accurate measurement of loop length. The second operation, loop troubleshooting, is an ongoing activity. This function finds and characterizes problems with previously qualified copper pairs. Loop troubleshooting detects any post-deployment cable damage or cable degradation.

http://www.hatterasnetworks.com

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Cortina Acquires ImmenStar for EPON Silicon

Cortina Systems has acquired ImmenStar, a privately held semiconductor company that specializes in passive optical network (PON) System-on-Chip (SoC) technology. Cortina offers a range of silicon designs to address enterprise and metro needs.



Cortina said the acquisition enables it to extend its leadership across multiple markets -- from the core of the network to subscriber access points.



ImmenStar, which was founded in 2004, introduced an EPON Switch Chipset in May 2006, consisting of four chips and a distributed operating system.

http://www.cortina-systems.com

http://www.immenstar.com

• In September 2006, Cortina Systems, a start-up based in Sunnyvale, California, acquired the assets of Intel's optical network components business for $115 million, which consists of a minority investment position and an undisclosed amount of cash. Cortina has been a leader in components for the IP routing and transport markets, while Intel has primarily focused TDM and optical components.



• At the time, Cortina also announced the completion of a new $132 million funding round led by new investor Institutional Venture Partners (IVP) as well as existing investors Canaan Partners and Morgenthaler Ventures. Additional investors providing funding include new investors Alloy Ventures, Bridgescale Partners, Doll Capital Management, and Sofinnova Ventures, and along with all of Cortina's existing venture investors. The transaction closed on September 8, 2006.



• Cortina Systems is headed by Amir Nayyerhabibi, who previously held executive and engineering management positions in private and public companies such as Cisco Systems, StratumOne Communications, Silicon Graphics, Inc., MIPS Computer Systems, and Intel Corporation. Mr. Nayyerhabibi was co-founder and Vice President of Engineering at StratumOne Communications, which was acquired by Cisco in 1999. He also managed the development of 12416 and 12410 Cisco GSR Router programs.

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TANDBERG TV UltraCompression IPTV Head End -- HD at Under 6 Mbps

TANDBERG Television introduced its "iPlex UltraCompression" high definition (HD) and standard definition (SD) IPTV head-end.



The iPlex UltraCompression video processing system, which is based on the company's second-generation AVC platform - Intelligent Compression Engine (ICE3), delivers bandwidth improvements of up to 50% over previously deployed MPEG-4 AVC units.



TANDBERG TV said it designed the iPlex to be a flexible video processing platform, rather than just being an encoder chassis. As an IPTV head-end solution it includes MPEG-2 SD encoding, MPEG-4 AVC HD and SD encoding, MPEG-2 to MPEG-4 AVC transcoding, MPEG-2 transrating, and picture-in-picture (PIP) service generation.



New capabilities include improved motion estimation processes, single slice video processing architecture, dedicated processing for low resolution encoding of PIP services, and a number of performance boosting features such as Multi-Pass analysis and enhanced video pre-processing, which are the basis of 12 new patent applications.

• With MPEG-4 AVC HD UltraCompression, TANDBERG TV said its iPlex can achieve the delivery of two full-resolution HDTV channels over ADSL2+ @ 2km - with data rates at below 6 Mbps @ 1080i and 4 Mbps @ 720p, a new industry benchmark.

Multi-channel density enables service providers to roll out 100+ channels total with simultaneous delivery of four or more SD or two HD channels per home using ADSL2.



The iPlex video processing platform is managed by TANDBERG nCompass Control and Monitoring, which also controls the professional receivers and descramblers used for content acquisition, providing a tightly integrated and seamlessly managed head-end solution.



Other key features include:

• Stream replication -- the ability to take each video stream processed inside the unit and output it across different delivery formats (ASI, IP, ATM), enabling an operator to deliver their service simultaneously across multiple delivery mechanisms - for example cable and DSL services from a single head-end.
  
  
• One in, multiple out video processing - from a single input source the iPlex can process the video into different resolutions and standards, supporting multiple service provision of the same content, such as IPTV to TV and DVB-H to cellphone delivery.
  
  
• Integrated Internet and IP security - with an integrated firewall, the iPlex provides an additional level of security to operators and broadcasters, protecting against unauthorized access and malicious actions, such as denial of service attacks. The iPlex provides a user configurable firewall to manage access via unsecured and secured protocols such as Telnet, FTP, HTTP, SNMP V2 & V3 SSH, and HTTPS. Additional security features such as access list control and in band/out of band management ensure a secure environment for the iPlex to maintain high levels of service availability as an IP streaming device.

http://www.tandbergtv.com

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Ericsson Bids to Acquire Tandberg TV

Ericsson made a public cash offer to acquire Tandberg Television for SEK 9.8 billion (US$1.4 billion), or NOK 106 in cash per share -- representing a premium of 18.2% to Tandberg's 90-day volume weighted average stock price.

The bid represents a 10.4% premium over the acquisition offer made by ARRIS on 15-January-2007.

Ericsson said it makes a better strategic partner for Tandberg TV because together the companies could offer a complete IPTV solution.

Carl-Henric Svanberg, president and CEO, Ericsson, said "IPTV for cable and telecom operators is the biggest networked multimedia opportunity going forward. Ericsson and Tandberg Television is a strong combination with a unique ability to offer complete IPTV solutions. Tandberg's leading TV technology and customer base and our global presence and strong position in IP networks and IMS, will create a leading player in networked media solutions for telecom, cable and satellite operators as well as media companies."http://www.ericsson.com

http://www.tandbergtv.com

• Earlier this year, Ericsson acquired Entrisphere, a start-up specializing in GPON fiber access technology, for an undisclosed sum. The core of the Entrisphere GPON solution includes Optical Line Terminals (OLTs), Optical Network Terminals (ONTs), Optical Network Units (ONUs) and management systems. The solution also includes software upgrades that expand existing IP service-aware features such as IGMP multicasting, VLAN stacking and tagging, and security upgrades.



• In December 2006, Ericsson acquired Redback Networks for $2.1 billion.



• Earlier in 2006, Ericsson closed its acquisition of Marconi. This deal, which was valued at US$2 billion when it was announced in October 2005, included Marconi's optical networking business, Marconi's broadband and fixed radio access network business, Marconi's softswitch business, and Marconi's data networking equipment and services businesses.

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ViDeOnline Raises $12 Million for Digital Media Aggregation

ViDeOnline Communications, a start-up based in Redwood City, California, closed $12 million in funding led by Intel Capital for its digital media content aggregation services.



ViDeOnline Communications, Ltd aggregates digital media content for distribution over its secured O8 Media network to Internet Service Providers, broadband carriers, IPTV and Digital TV providers and mobile phone carriers. ViDeOnline's initial market focus is Asia, specifically China.



ViDeOnline secures the content by enhancing Digital Rights Management technologies for delivery to PCs, set top boxes, mobile phones and DRM supported portable players. The company said it has been working with local authorities in China to address how international quality content, compliant with China's regulations for censorship and media licenses can be offered legally over an IP digital network.



Through joint partnerships with government entities, ViDeOnline will enter the China market with licensed, censor approved content for delivery to consumers through carriers and local IPTV or Digital TV and Internet service providers.
http://www.videonline.com

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Marvell Reports Quarterly Revenue of $622 Million

Marvell Technology Group reported preliminary quarterly revenue of $622.0 million for the quarter ended 27-Jan-2007, an increase of 27% over net revenue of $489.0 million for the same period a year earlier and a 20% sequential increase from net revenue of $520.4 million. Net revenue for fiscal 2007 was $2,237.6 million, an increase of 34% over net revenue of $1,670.3 million in fiscal 2006. All results reported are preliminary because Marvell is in the midst of a previously announced internal review by a special committee of its Board of Directors relating to the company's historical stock option practices and related accounting matters.



"We are pleased with our results for the fourth quarter," stated Dr. Sehat Sutardja, Marvell's President and CEO. "During the quarter we successfully completed the integration of the applications and communications processor business we purchased from Intel. As we start a new fiscal year we are excited about the positioning of our advanced product portfolio as well as our ability to deliver solid growth."http://www.marvell.com

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Atheros Reaches 100 Million WLAN Chipset Milestone

Atheros Communications has shipped more than 100 million wireless LAN (WLAN) chipsets since its founding 8 years ago. The company shipped more than 40 percent of the 100 million cumulative WLAN chipsets during the last year.

http://www.atheros.com

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D-Link Launches Video Portal for Digital Home Customers

D-Link has launched "D-LinkTV", a knowledge-based Internet video portal aimed at educating and entertaining consumers, business customers and resellers on advancements in networking and connectivity solutions. The site will feature streaming video segments covering company products and their uses in the digital home, small-to-medium business (SMB) and enterprise.

http://www.dlinktv.com

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Global Crossing Adds VoIP Outbound Service in Mexico

Global Crossing launched its VoIP Outbound Service to enterprise and carrier customers in Mexico. Customers in Mexico can place international calls via an IP interface to Global Crossing. In addition, VoIP Outbound Service supports several access methods including IP VPN, Dedicated Internet Access (DIA) and public Internet access.

http://www.globalcrossing.com

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AT&T U-Verse Adds Scripps Networks

AT&T announced a distribution agreement to deliver Scripps Networks' linear, High Definition and on-demand programming as part of the AT&T U-verse TV channel lineup. This includes HGTV, Food Network, DIY Network, FINE LIVING TV Network and Great American Country (GAC). U-verse TV also will include HGTV HD and Food Network HD. Scripps programming will be featured in the U-verse video-on-demand (VOD) library each month, including several hours of the best programming from HGTV and Food Network. Financial terms were not disclosed.

http://www.att.com

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Trapeze Networks Ships Wi-Fi Location Appliance

Trapeze Networks began shipping a Location Appliance that allows large organizations to find and track valuable assets in real time over their existing Wi-Fi networks. The appliance is the latest element of the company's SmartMobile architecture which implements intelligent switching to optimize traffic flow over the network. The appliance plugs into an organization's existing Trapeze Networks Wi-Fi infrastructure, providing instant real-time location information of all Wi-Fi devices on the network. The appliance can detect and monitor the position of thousands of devices across the enterprise. http://www.trapezenetworks.com

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Linksys Debuts Network Attached Storage for SMBs

Cisco's Linksys division its first line of small business network attached storage solutions. These include:

• 4 Bay Advanced Gigabit Network Storage System Chassis


• 4 Bay Advanced Gigabit Network Storage System Chassis With 1.0TB RAID


• 4 Bay Gigabit Network Storage System Chassis


• 4 Bay Gigabit Network Storage System Chassis With 1.0TB RAID.

Linksys Small Business Network Storage Systems chassis do not include hard drives, so the small business can choose the capacity that best addresses its business needs.

http://www.linksys.com

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BitTorrent Launches Entertainment Network

BitTorrent kicked off its anticipated P2P downloading service featuring legitimate video content licensed from major Hollywood studios.



BitTorrent initially will pursue a movie rental model, whereby newer films will be priced at $3.99 for a 24 hour viewing period and older films cost $2.99. Download to own TV shows will be priced at $1.99.



Content providers include Warner Bros., Paramount Pictures, 20th Century Fox, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and Lionsgate.



BitTorrent is using Microsoft DRM.

http://www.bittorrent.com

• In October 2006, BitTorrent announced its collaboration with a number of global hardware manufacturers to embed its peer-assisted digital content delivery technology into consumer electronics. ASUS, Planex and QNAP are among the first CE manufacturers to implement the BitTorrent download manager into their digital home devices. Products include wireless routers, media servers and network attached storage (NAS) devices.

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Ruckus Unveils Triple Play Wi-Fi System for Hotspot Market

Ruckus Wireless unveiled its "MediaFlex Hotspot" access point specifically developed for broadband operators who are dealing with dramatic increases in the density and mix of users, devices and applications at public Wi-Fi hotspots.



The Ruckus MediaFlex HS is a multimedia Wi-Fi system uses a custom antenna array optimized for dynamic and dense Wi-Fi environments. Advanced quality of service features allow multiple virtual networks and different traffic types to be streamed over the same system. In addition, Ruckus is including a remote spectrum management that gives operators visibility into hotspot RF environments.



Ruckus Wireless said that compared to conventional Wi-Fi APs, its new MediaFlex HS doubles Wi-Fi signal range, supports up to 20 concurrent voice over Wi-Fi calls and delivers 20 Mbps of consistent throughput for IP video streams. It also offers a two- to four-fold increase in coverage, thereby reducing the number of APs needed for a particular area.



The access point can be ceiling- or wall-mounted. It supports up to four BSSIDs, allowing operators to create virtual networks for different services or traffic types. For each BSSID, an operator can assign unique broadcast and QoS settings, security parameters and management policies.
List pricing is US$199.00.



PCCW, the principal telecommunications company in Hong Kong, and ThaiFi, a leading networking company in Thailand, are among the first to standardize on the new MediaFlex HS system. PCCW is installing the MediaFlex HS in hundreds of hotspots in and around Hong Kong. And ThaiFi has installed the system throughout several four-star hotels in Bangkok, including the Sukhothai, the Siri Sathorn and the Fraser Suites Urbana Sathorn.

http://www.ruckuswireless.com

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LGC Wireless In-Building, Multi-Carrier Cellular for Atlantic City Resort

The Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa in Atlantic City, NJ has deployed an in-building wireless system from LGC Wireless to support enhanced multi-carrier cellular coverage. While Nextel initially deployed an in-building wireless system for its subscribers (as well as hotel employees, who have standardized on Nextel phones) in 2003, Borgata chose to purchase its own multi-carrier system in 2005 in order to speed deployment and minimize disruption to the facility's public areas. The system currently supports Nextel and Cingular.

http://www.lgcwireless.com

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