Sunday, September 23, 2007

MobileAccess Adds WiMAX to In-Building Wireless Platform

MobileAccess will support WiMAX with its in-building universal wireless platform. The aims to change the economics of WiMAX and spur early adoption by providing the highest business-quality indoor WiMAX performance and reducing deployment costs by up to 50%, according to the Vienna, Virginia-based company.



The in-building WiMAX will be supported on the MobileAccess platform by means of a new module that plugs into existing systems.



http://www.mobileaccess.com


Motorola Unveils MPEG-4 to MPEG-2 Receiver

Motorola introduced the first of a new generation of receiver-transcoders for allowing networks to use both MPEG-4 AVC and MPEG-2 compression technologies. Using the DSR-6000 series, programmers can distribute content solely in the MPEG-4 HD format, while enabling service providers to deliver in either MPEG-4 or MPEG-2, and in either standard definition or high definition formats.



Motorola's DSR-6000, which follows the company's DigiCipher II secure content delivery systems, aims to enhance network efficiency for both programmers and operators by reducing bandwidth requirements up to 75 percent while delivering MPEG-2 or MPEG-4 content. The unit enables operators to receive programming in bandwidth-efficient MPEG-4. This, coupled with more efficient higher-order modulation technology, reduces satellite transponder requirements by up to 75 percent, allowing programmers to deliver additional high-quality high definition (HD) and standard definition (SD) programming. The receiver converts content into MPEG-2 for operators with MPEG-2 set tops.

http://www.motorola.com

ECI Telecom Adds MPLS Line Cards to XDM MSPP

ECI Telecom introduced MPLS line cards for its XDM Multi-Service Provisioning Platform (MSPP), enabling support for real-time services such as triple play for residential customers, VPNs for businesses, and Ethernet-based 3G cellular backhauling. By adding MPLS line cards to new and/or deployed XDM-based SONET/SDH networks, ECI said service providers can efficiently migrate their networks.



The new MPLS line cards are compliant with the Metro Ethernet Forum (MEF) requirements for Carrier Ethernet. They are fully interoperable with existing ECI Carrier Ethernet solutions and with MEF-compliant third-party equipment, complementing ECI's end-to-end (E2E) Carrier Ethernet offerings.



ECI is also announcing a new version of its multi-layer network management system, the LightSoft, to support E2E Ethernet service management. LightSoft Version 4 now enables MPLS tunnels and Ethernet service provisioning, delivering the same operational capabilities already available in previous versions to Ethernet Services, and providing one management solution for all platforms and technologies.



LightSoft V4 supports E2E service management and the convergence of multiple networks and technologies, such as TDM, carrier-class Ethernet, and ROADM-based next-generation WDM in the XDM packet optical platform, eliminating the need to introduce different management systems, and thus saving capex and opex.



Both the MPLS features and LightSoft V4 will be commercially available by Q4 2007. http://www.ecitele.com

EANTC Stages Public Carrier Ethernet Interoperability Test

The European Advanced Networking Test Center (EANTC) and 24 leading vendors are conducting the largest public Carrier Ethernet multi-vendor interoperability test ever staged. The live test with more than 65 devices is geared towards network operators providing Carrier Ethernet services. It is targeted at verifying the current interoperability status of a wide range of implementations as well as provisioning and fault management solutions.



In preparation for the event, more than 70 engineers from participating companies evaluated the interoperability of their solutions in detail in a closed-door, ten-day long intense hot-staging at EANTC's lab in Berlin, Germany. The test has been prepared since April 2007 and covers the latest IEEE, ITU-T and MEF specifications for Carrier Ethernet services.



The vendors participating in the interoperability testing are: Alcatel-Lucent, ANDA Networks, Ceragon Networks, Ciena, Cisco Systems, Extreme Networks, Gridpoint Systems, Hammerhead Systems, Harris Stratex Networks, Huawei Technologies, Ixia, Juniper Networks, MRV Communications, Nokia Siemens Networks, Nortel, RAD Data Communications, Shenick Network Systems, Soapstone Networks, Spirent Communications, Telco Systems, Tellabs, TPACK, World Wide Packets and ZTE.



A 20-page white paper with detailed findings is available for download from EANTC.

http://www.eantc.com/cewc2007

JANET(UK) Selects VSNL for High Bandwidth Access

JANET, the UK's national network for research and education, has selected VSNL Telecommunications to supply high bandwidth global Internet access for its wide range of education and research institutions across the UK. VSNL will be providing an aggregate capacity of 40 Gbps via four OC192 ports from two diverse locations in London as part of a multiple year agreement. Financial terms were not disclosed.



JANET connects the UK's universities, FE Colleges, Research Councils, Specialist Colleges and Adult and Community Learning providers to each other, as well as to the rest of the world through links to the global Internet.

http://www.vsnlinternational.com

Alvarion Chooses Sequans Mobile WiMAX Chips

SEQUANS Communications will supply its new Mobile WiMAX base station chips to Alvarion. Alvarion plans to use the chips to build pico base stations and implement its additional unique technology and advanced features above the 802.16e standard.



Sequans' SQN2130 ASIC is optimized for Mobile WiMAX base stations. It is a highly integrated MAC and PHY baseband chip, providing high performance, scalability, and flexibility. It supports TDD and FDD and delivers high throughput to serve tens of thousands of subscriber stations, delivering the full line rate even with small packet sizes. It is 802.16e Wave 2-ready, and supports standard interfaces to ASN gateways for easy integration into existing deployed networks.

http://www.sequans.com


Sycamore Debuts New Multiservice Optical Switching Platform

Sycamore Networks introduced its new SN 9000 optical switching platform designed for carrier applications in the 80-320 Gbps bandwidth range. The SN 9000 offers a non-blocking multiservice switch fabric that provides distributed, tiered grooming that improves bandwidth utilization across the network.



Sycamore said the platform brings important new functionality to multiservice switching -- including unique bandwidth capacity licensing, service modularity, and any-service, any-port features. These functions include low-order (VT/VC) and high-order (OC-n/STM-n) switching, add-drop multiplexing, advanced Ethernet services, and integrated optical transport.



Highlights include:

  • Any-service, any-port flexibility simplifies circuit/packet service provisioning and improves operational efficiency


  • Pay-as-you-grow bandwidth licensing reduces initial deployment costs without imposing fixed node or slot configurations


  • In-service scalability from 80 Gbps to 320 Gbps


  • Layered service provisioning minimizes operational complexities of new service introduction


  • Converged IP service grooming optimizes bandwidth aggregation and capacity utilization


  • Diverse protection and restoration options -- ring, mesh, and hybrid -- deliver high-availability and service resiliency


  • Common networking (BroadLeaf) and management (SILVX) software, shared by all Sycamore optical switches, enhances operational efficiencies and end-to-end service management


The SN 9000 is currently shipping to a Tier 1 European wireless operator for production deployment.

http://www.sycamorenet.com

Juniper and Lockheed Martin Team on IPv6 Transition Pilot Program

Juniper Networks is working with Lockheed Martin in the development of a pilot IPv6 transition test bed designed to simulate a government agency transition. Lockheed Martin will transition a portion of its global network to IPv6 for use during the simulation. To support this transition, Juniper Networks will contribute its high-performance IPv6-capable routers to the test bed for the simulation.
http://www.juniper.net
  • In August 2007, Lockheed Martin made a significant networking announcement: the company will transition a portion of its global network to IPv6. The pilot program will work through all phases of a full-scale IPv6 transition, upgrading a network that connects laboratories in 10 different cities, from California to the United Kingdom. The company said its pilot project is similar to one that a government agency would undertake in transitioning to IPv6.

Calix Delivers GPON ONTs with GigE Subscriber Interfaces

Calix has expanded its line of GPON optical network terminals (ONTs) with a new unit that adds Gigabit Ethernet subscriber-side interfaces, enabling telcos to offer peak downstream rates of up to one thousand megabits per second, compared to 160 Mbps peak rates of DOCSIS 3.0 for cable networks.

Measured in terms of average or sustained bandwidth, Calix estimates that telcos can deliver up to 80 Mbps per subscriber in typical configurations versus 640 kbps for DOCSIS 3.0-enabled cable operators using 250-home nodes.







The 700G ONTs are available in volume now. Configuration options allow for:

  • 10/100/1000 Base-T Gigabit Ethernet interface

  • Optional additional 10/100 Base-T Fast Ethernet interface

  • Optional RF video interface with RF return

  • Optional Home Phoneline Networking Alliance (HPNA) interface

  • Optional dual DS1 interfaces for business applications

  • Up to four POTS interfaces on SFU models and up to 16 on MDU models



Additional features of the 700G include auto-detect optics enabling it to support a variety of PON technologies and is compatible with both C- and F-Series Calix platforms. The 700G also employs a snap-in electronics pod for fast installation; draws extremely low power, yielding longer battery life and cooler operation; optionally contains a session initiation protocol (SIP) integrated access device (IAD) for VOIP conversion; and comes in a compact, aesthetically pleasing outdoor enclosure.

http://www.calix.com

Xangati Raises $10.7 Million in Series B Funding

Xangati, a start-up based in Cupertino, California, raised $10.7 million in venture funding for its line rapid problem identification (RPI) appliances for enterprise networks.



Xangati's rapid problem identification solution does not rely on agents or probes. It collects packet data traversing the network and correlates this with application performance over time. By tracking changes in expected network performance, the Xangati solution is able to identify problems before end-users become aware of them.



The new funding round was led by Walden International and was joined by existing investor Alloy Ventures. This brings total funding to date to approximately $18 million.

http://www.xangati.com

BitTorrent Opens Subsidiary in Japan

BitTorrent has opened a wholly owned subsidiary in Tokyo, Japan to address the growing demand for peer-assisted content delivery technology among Japanese content publishers and consumer electronics (CE) manufacturers.

http://www.bittorrent.com

Newclear Introduces Portable WiMAX 16D CPE based on TeleCIS IC

Newclear Communication, a Taiwan-based supplier, introduced WiMAX 16D PC cards and USB devices for laptops and other portable equipment.
Operating in the licensed bands of 3.3 to 3.8GHz, TGMAX3500-CB and TGMAX3500-USB are based on TeleCIS Wireless TCW chipset. Both of the new products support 2x2 MIMO operation and feature a built-in PCB antenna. http://www.newclear.com.twhttp://www.telecis.com


Ditech Appoints Todd Simpson As President and CEO

Ditech Networks has appointed Todd Simpson as President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Simpson came to the company through Ditech's acquisition of Jasomi Networks, a developer of VoIP session border controllers. Prior to Jasomi, Todd was CTO of Zi Corporation and founded several successful Canadian high-tech firms.

http://www.ditechnetworks.com
  • In May 2007, Tim Montgomery, Ditech's CEO, President and Chairman, announced his plans to retire after 10 years with the company.

Japan's EMOBILE Selects Huawei

Japan's EMOBILE has selected Huawei as the key partner for its 3G network construction -- an IP-based HSPA network. In phase one, Huawei has deployed a HSPA network with over 1,000 Node Bs for EMOBILE, covering major cities in Japan including Hiroshima and Sapporo.



Under a new agreement, Huawei will provide EMOBILE with advanced High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) technologies and expand the network to cover vicinity of Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya. More than 2,300 Distributed Node Bs will be deployed, including the indoor Distributed base station system (iDBS) which will provide EMOBILE with large-scale coverage in Tokyo's subway and business areas. Financial terms were not disclosed.

http://www.huawei.com

http://www.emobile.jp

F5 Introduces "BIG-IP" Local Traffic Manager for Scaling IMS

F5 Networks, announced a new release of its "BIG-IP" Local Traffic Manager (LTM) aimed at enabling IP services to scale to millions of users while maintaining reliability.




Specifically, F5's BIG-IP product now performs application-layer switching for SIP, RTSP, and SCTP to provide scalability and high availability. Because this new release enables scalability and high availability for connection-based SCTP devices (for example, signaling gateways), it can also provide intelligent traffic management for service providers' migration from circuit-switched to packet-switched networks.



In addition, F5's modular TMOS platform, which features "iRules" customization capabilities, enables BIG-IP LTM to act as a translator to solve interoperability challenges and application issues in IMS networks. TMOS also brings a wealth of security to IMS networks, including a full TCP and application proxy, optimized IP stacks, and virtual network segmentation. F5's iRules technology enables SIP, RTSP, and SCTP to be inspected, transformed, and redirected with complete flexibility, helping to bridge interoperability challenges and solve application issues.



Highlights of the New BIG-IP Local Traffic Manager:

  • Improved availability of multimedia applications. IMS-ready, intelligent load balancing for equipment such as application servers and call session controllers provides high availability and enables carriers to scale their applications and IMS networks efficiently.


  • Complete flexibility for multimedia application delivery. BIG-IP LTM's full proxy and F5's iRules allow a single point to manage the complexities of multimedia application delivery, inspecting and transforming traffic at the connection level to help fix internetworking problems.


  • Enhances IMS infrastructure security. BIG-IP LTM recognizes common IP attacks against both the network and applications, blocking them before they reach critical applications and servers. Encryption offload enables application servers to dedicate resources to the application, with no processing cost to the core signaling servers.


  • Ensures quality of service for multimedia applications. With multimedia rate shaping, service providers can select which applications have priority and allocate bandwidth accordingly.


  • Carrier-class hardware. The BIG-IP platform offers carrier-class devices complete with a NEBS compliant option (BIG-IP 6400), DC and redundant power supply options, and redundant failover configurations. This gives carriers the options they need to meet the specific demands of their network.
http://www.f5.com

Verimatrix Content Security Selected for Qatar IPTV

Verimatrix is providing its Video Content Authority System (VCAS) for an IPTV triple-play deployment in Qatar. This new service from Qtel offers voice, broadband Internet and MPEG4-AVC encoded IPTV over its upgraded infrastructure to subscribers across the state of Qatar. Verimatrix's Video Content Authority System (VCAS) will protect MPEG4-AVC data streams through advanced encryption to prevent unauthorized access or piracy. Financial terms were not disclosed.

http://www.verimatrix.com

Hammerhead Demonstrates Interoperability Between PBT and MPLS

As part of a Carrier Ethernet interoperability test at EANTC's lab in Berlin, Germany, Hammerhead Systems demonstrated direct PBT to MPLS interworking. Its HSX 6000 served as a gateway between a 3rd-party PBT network and a 3rd-party MPLS network.


Specifically, the Hammerhead HSX 6000 successfully interoperated with its PBT Service Gateway software feature in the end-to-end video multicast demonstration, by enabling video traffic from the metro MPLS network, through an MPLS core using the Cisco 7604 using VPLS and Pseudowires, to be distributed seamlessly to the metro PBT network to multiple PBT-enabled network elements. Hammerhead's HSX 6000 demonstrated end-to-end PBT capability interworking with equipment from Anda Networks, Ciena, Extreme Networks, Huawei Technologies, Nokia Siemens Networks, Nortel, TPACK, and World Wide Packets.



Hammerhead said the demonstration assures global carriers options for seamless interworking without intermediate steps between MPLS and PBT in their future networks.



Hammerhead's HSX 6000 enables service providers to interwork PBT deployments with the vast MPLS and growing VPLS installed base so carriers can leverage their existing MPLS investments as they evaluate and/or begin to deploy PBT networks.



The vendors participating in the interoperability testing included: Alcatel-Lucent, ANDA Networks, Ceragon Networks, Ciena, Cisco Systems, Extreme Networks, Gridpoint Systems, Hammerhead Systems, Harris Stratex Networks, Huawei Technologies, Ixia Communications, Juniper Networks, MRV Communications, Nokia Siemens Networks, Nortel, RAD Data Communications, Shenick Network Systems, Soapstone Networks, Spirent, Telco Systems, Tellabs, TPACK and World Wide Packets. http://www.hammerheadsystems.com

http://www.eantc.com