One Minute Video presented by Nikhil B. Shah, Juniper Networks -- What is GPRS Security?
Jargon Buster
Monday, January 14, 2008
One Minute Video: What is GPRS Security?
One Minute Video presented by Nikhil B. Shah, Juniper Networks -- What is GPRS Security?
Jargon Buster
MetaSwitch Integrates Phone and PC Desktop With MetaSphere CommAssistant
MetaSwitch has expanded its suite of enhanced telephony services with a thin-client desktop application, MetaSphere CommAssistant.
Working in tandem with MetaSwitch's existing CommPortal application, and leveraging the MetaSphere Service Delivery Platform (SDP), CommAssistant can be deployed to subscribers homed on a MetaSwitch softswitch or legacy Class 5 switch. The application adds value to the carrier's voice service without changing the way the underlying service appears or is deployed.
Key capabilities of the MetaSphere CommAssistant include:
CommAssistant is in carrier field trials today and will be generally available to all MetaSwitch customers in March.
http://www.metaswitch.com
Working in tandem with MetaSwitch's existing CommPortal application, and leveraging the MetaSphere Service Delivery Platform (SDP), CommAssistant can be deployed to subscribers homed on a MetaSwitch softswitch or legacy Class 5 switch. The application adds value to the carrier's voice service without changing the way the underlying service appears or is deployed.
Key capabilities of the MetaSphere CommAssistant include:
- It provides, from the Windows Task Bar, instant access to the most commonly used voice telephony functions, including support for presence status updates; searching both personal and corporate contact lists; placing calls to contacts using click-to-dial; and changing settings of calling features such as call forwarding and do-not-disturb.
- Click-to-dial support within applications such as Microsoft Outlook, which enables users to place calls instantly to their contacts from within the application.
- Remote office support, which enables users to make click-to-dial calls from any phone in the world, with the call being presented as if it came from their regular phone.
- A notification icon, in the Windows notification area (or "system tray"), which provides popup notification of new voice and fax messages, with a link for realtime message retrieval.
- CommPortal Integration, enabling users to directly access the CommPortal Web interface, bypassing the login step, where they can view messages and calls, change settings for services such as MetaSphere Incoming Call Manager, and update their personal contacts.
CommAssistant is in carrier field trials today and will be generally available to all MetaSwitch customers in March.
http://www.metaswitch.com
China Telecom Plans "MegaEyes" Video Monitoring Service with Nokia Siemens Networks
China Telecom is working with Nokia Siemens Networks to rollout a video monitoring service called MegaEyes. This video monitoring solution is an operator host IP based offering capable of providing high end images for remote monitoring. Nokia Siemens Networks will support new broadband and multimedia services for China Telecom's MegaEyes by leveraging its complete solution portfolio ranging from video monitoring platform to Consulting and Systems Integration, IMS, Network Security and Multi-media Service Delivery Platform.
China Telecom's MegaEyes multimedia service enables users to access an Internet/intranet connected camera. Consequently, it will provide corporate and individual users with an entirely new, objectively visual and range-extended auditory and vision management tool that can help improve work effectiveness and life experience. Enhancing the usage ratio of broadband to IP backbone, the solution which is operator hosted is slated to be low cost and easy to deploy.http://www.nokiasiemensnetworks.com
China Telecom's MegaEyes multimedia service enables users to access an Internet/intranet connected camera. Consequently, it will provide corporate and individual users with an entirely new, objectively visual and range-extended auditory and vision management tool that can help improve work effectiveness and life experience. Enhancing the usage ratio of broadband to IP backbone, the solution which is operator hosted is slated to be low cost and easy to deploy.http://www.nokiasiemensnetworks.com
Chile's Telesur Deploys Zhone
Telefónica del Sur S.A. (Telsur), has selected Zhone's multi-service access platform (MSAP) to expand the company's IPTV footprint in Chile.
Zhone's MALC supports high-speed data and IPTV services over traditional ADSL and provision GPON fiber to the home (FTTH) services using the same platform and standard TR-069 Automatic Configuration Server.http://www.zhone.comhttp://www.telefonicadelsur.cl
Zhone's MALC supports high-speed data and IPTV services over traditional ADSL and provision GPON fiber to the home (FTTH) services using the same platform and standard TR-069 Automatic Configuration Server.http://www.zhone.comhttp://www.telefonicadelsur.cl
Avago Launches 10 GbE SFP+ Transceivers
Avago Technologies introduced the first 10 Gbps Ethernet SFP+ SR (short reach) optical transceiver. Avago's 850 nm VCSEL-based 10 Gbps AFBR-700SDZ SFP+ (small form-factor pluggable) transceiver with digital monitoring interface (DMI) is now shipping in production volumes. Avago is using its own 850 nm VCSELs. The AFBR-700SDZ also uses multimode fiber which enables the SFP+ transceiver to extend coverage up to 300 meters.
Avago said its new optical transceiver supports the SFF-8431 specification for enhanced 10 Gbps SFP+ as well as the SFF-8472 specification for DMI in optical transceivers. The ROHS 6 (restrictions of hazardous substances) compliant, lead-free AFBR-700SDZ delivers real-time temperature, supply voltage, laser bias current, laser average output power and received input power information through a two-wire interface. The digital diagnostic interface also adds the ability to disable the transmitter, monitor for transmitter faults and monitor for receiver loss of signal.
"The SFP+ form factor presents a tremendous opportunity for vendors to add port density and value to their networking products. Avago is first out of the gate with its 10 Gb/s SFP+ transceiver and our product is already qualified with multiple customers" said David D'Andrea, director of marketing for Avago Technologies' fiber optic products division.
Avago's AFBR-700SDZ is available now. Pricing begins at $200 in volumes.http://www.avagotech.com/fiber
Avago said its new optical transceiver supports the SFF-8431 specification for enhanced 10 Gbps SFP+ as well as the SFF-8472 specification for DMI in optical transceivers. The ROHS 6 (restrictions of hazardous substances) compliant, lead-free AFBR-700SDZ delivers real-time temperature, supply voltage, laser bias current, laser average output power and received input power information through a two-wire interface. The digital diagnostic interface also adds the ability to disable the transmitter, monitor for transmitter faults and monitor for receiver loss of signal.
"The SFP+ form factor presents a tremendous opportunity for vendors to add port density and value to their networking products. Avago is first out of the gate with its 10 Gb/s SFP+ transceiver and our product is already qualified with multiple customers" said David D'Andrea, director of marketing for Avago Technologies' fiber optic products division.
Avago's AFBR-700SDZ is available now. Pricing begins at $200 in volumes.http://www.avagotech.com/fiber
Clearwire to Offer GoogleApps to its Broadband Wireless Customers
Clearwire plans to deliver the Google Apps communication suite to its customers. Clearwire will begin migrating its current customers to Gmail and Google Calendar in the first half of this year. In addition, Clearwire customers will also have access to Google Talk.
In addition to Gmail, Google Calendar, and Google Talk, Clearwire will use AdSense for Search to provide Google search capabilities on future Clearwire portal applications.http://www.clearwire.comhttp://www.google.com
In addition to Gmail, Google Calendar, and Google Talk, Clearwire will use AdSense for Search to provide Google search capabilities on future Clearwire portal applications.http://www.clearwire.comhttp://www.google.com
- In July 2007, Sprint announced plans to offer Google Services over its forthcoming mobile WiMAX network.
Yipes Adds Tokyo-based KVH as New Ethernet Partner
Yipes Enterprise Services, which is now a division of Reliance Communications, has established a global Ethernet network-to-network interface (E-NNI) with Japan's KVH. The arrangement represents Yipes' 11th E-NNI agreement with facilities-based network providers around the world.
KVH was established in Tokyo in 1999 as an Asia-Pacific IT/communications service provider. It operates a facility-based optical fiber network as well as data centers. It has a presence in Tokyo, Yokohama and Osaka as well as through affiliates in Shanghai and Bangalore.http://www.yipes.comhttp://www.kvh.co.jp
KVH was established in Tokyo in 1999 as an Asia-Pacific IT/communications service provider. It operates a facility-based optical fiber network as well as data centers. It has a presence in Tokyo, Yokohama and Osaka as well as through affiliates in Shanghai and Bangalore.http://www.yipes.comhttp://www.kvh.co.jp
TELUS Deploys Nominum for Wholesale Interconnect Offering
TELUS, Canada's second largest carrier, has selected Nominum's "Navitas" IP-application Routing Directory (IPRD) as the foundation for growing its wholesale interconnect and peering business as it accelerates the move from the traditional TDM network to IP. Nominum Navitas enables TELUS to optimize its call and session routes while creating new differentiated wholesale service offerings, resulting in reduced interconnect costs, simplified operations and new sources of revenues.
Nominum Navitas is an IP-application Routing Directory (IPRD), a switch-agnostic signaling data repository that consolidates telephony numbering and routing information, and refines routes based on session parameters like cost, quality, capacity, and context. TELUS applied Navitas as an IP-based network control point and relies on the following capabilities for improving their business:
Nominum said this integration enabled TELUS to access optimal routes in its network in real-time and make use of in-session route optimization, thereby maximizing margins and preserving a high quality service.http://www.nominum.com
Nominum Navitas is an IP-application Routing Directory (IPRD), a switch-agnostic signaling data repository that consolidates telephony numbering and routing information, and refines routes based on session parameters like cost, quality, capacity, and context. TELUS applied Navitas as an IP-based network control point and relies on the following capabilities for improving their business:
- Eliminating data fragmentation across switching element routing tables through consolidation of numbering and routing plans across IP and TDM networks.
- Signaling capabilities with SIP and ENUM queries
- Support for parameter-based routing including Least Cost Routing for profitable and reliable routes.
Nominum said this integration enabled TELUS to access optimal routes in its network in real-time and make use of in-session route optimization, thereby maximizing margins and preserving a high quality service.http://www.nominum.com
T-Mobile Deploys RAD ADSL2+ Gateways for HSDPA Backhaul
T-Mobile s will use gateways from RAD Data Communications to support the latest generation of mobile HSDPA data services. A pilot phase in Germany has concluded with successful tests and as a result an expanded deployment based on RAD's ACE-3000 gateways is now in full swing.
RAD said its gateways give T-Mobile the added option of connecting HSDPA-enabled NodeBs (3G base stations) via low-cost ADSL2+ lines and drawing on the services of its sister company T-Com. Equipment from RAD is also to be used in other T-Mobile networks later on.
For UMTS and HSDPA backhaul, however, the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) has singled out ATM as the standard technology for the time being. To enable ATM services (E1 UNI or STM-1 UNI) to be emulated over packet-switched services (Ethernet/MPLS/IP), gateways in the ACE-3000 series employs ATM PWE3 (pseudowire emulation edge-to-edge). The RAD gateways use pseudowire technology between NodeBs (i.e. HSDPA base stations) and RNCs (Radio Network Controllers) to emulate ATM tunnels through Ethernet networks.
"HSDPA needs more bandwidth. So T-Mobile wanted an economical solution to expand what are known as the 'mobile backhaul' links between base stations and radio network controllers (RNCs)," says Adolf Nadrowski, VP RAN Strategy at T-Mobile Germany. "It made sense to do without expensive E1 leased lines and, instead, access a very well-developed DSLAM infrastructure and T-Com's transport networks and buy DSL backhaul as a service."
http://www.rad.com
RAD said its gateways give T-Mobile the added option of connecting HSDPA-enabled NodeBs (3G base stations) via low-cost ADSL2+ lines and drawing on the services of its sister company T-Com. Equipment from RAD is also to be used in other T-Mobile networks later on.
For UMTS and HSDPA backhaul, however, the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) has singled out ATM as the standard technology for the time being. To enable ATM services (E1 UNI or STM-1 UNI) to be emulated over packet-switched services (Ethernet/MPLS/IP), gateways in the ACE-3000 series employs ATM PWE3 (pseudowire emulation edge-to-edge). The RAD gateways use pseudowire technology between NodeBs (i.e. HSDPA base stations) and RNCs (Radio Network Controllers) to emulate ATM tunnels through Ethernet networks.
"HSDPA needs more bandwidth. So T-Mobile wanted an economical solution to expand what are known as the 'mobile backhaul' links between base stations and radio network controllers (RNCs)," says Adolf Nadrowski, VP RAN Strategy at T-Mobile Germany. "It made sense to do without expensive E1 leased lines and, instead, access a very well-developed DSLAM infrastructure and T-Com's transport networks and buy DSL backhaul as a service."
http://www.rad.com
Ikanos to Acquire Centillium's DSL Business for $12 Million
Centillium Communications agreed to sell its DSL business to Ikanos Communications for approximately $12 million in cash. The deal, which is expected to close in Q1 2008, includes assets, technology and a number of the employees from Centillium's DSL team. Ikanos will also assume responsibility and continue to support Centillium's worldwide DSL customer relationships.
As a result of the sale and certain related restructuring actions, Centillium expects to reduce its operating expenses by approximately $18 million per year, beginning in the second quarter of 2008.
"The sale of our DSL business will allow us to focus our resources on Optical and VoIP, our two key growth businesses," said Faraj Aalaei, co-founder and CEO. "We believe that with this targeted focus, we will better serve our customers, reduce our operating loss and improve our prospects," said Aalaei.
"We are very pleased to bring into Ikanos Centillium's DSL product lines, the underlying intellectual property and the talented engineering
team that created these products," said Michael A. Ricci, Ikanos' president and CEO. "Centillium's engineers have already developed technology that we expect to help expand Ikanos' digital home solutions and accelerate the introduction of next generation VDSL2 platforms. Their products, people and intellectual property -- including nearly 60 patents and applications -- further enhance Ikanos' leadership position and provide an expanded customer base in Europe while fortifying Ikanos' leading position in Japan."http://www.centillium.comhttp://www.ikanos.com
As a result of the sale and certain related restructuring actions, Centillium expects to reduce its operating expenses by approximately $18 million per year, beginning in the second quarter of 2008.
"The sale of our DSL business will allow us to focus our resources on Optical and VoIP, our two key growth businesses," said Faraj Aalaei, co-founder and CEO. "We believe that with this targeted focus, we will better serve our customers, reduce our operating loss and improve our prospects," said Aalaei.
"We are very pleased to bring into Ikanos Centillium's DSL product lines, the underlying intellectual property and the talented engineering
team that created these products," said Michael A. Ricci, Ikanos' president and CEO. "Centillium's engineers have already developed technology that we expect to help expand Ikanos' digital home solutions and accelerate the introduction of next generation VDSL2 platforms. Their products, people and intellectual property -- including nearly 60 patents and applications -- further enhance Ikanos' leadership position and provide an expanded customer base in Europe while fortifying Ikanos' leading position in Japan."http://www.centillium.comhttp://www.ikanos.com
U.S. Cellular Signs 5-Year Deal with Alcatel-Lucent
U.S. Cellular has awarded a five-year agreement to Alcatel-Lucent to supply a wide variety of network equipment, software and services supporting its ongoing network expansion. Under the deal, Alcatel-Lucent will provide a range of base stations designed to fit a wide variety of deployment scenarios. U.S. Cellular's network is based on CDMA2000 technology. Financial terms were not disclosed.http://www.alcatel-lucent.com
Sonus Notes IP-Voice Milestone -- Over One Trillion Minutes Delivered
Sonus Networks noted a historic voice network milestone -- operators using its network platforms have carried over one trillion minutes in aggregate. Sonus gear is now deployed in more than 50 countries. According to a report entitled, "VoIP Minutes and Subscribers: 3Q07 Update," issued by iLocus, approximately 40% of all long distance IP-based voice traffic is carried over Sonus Networks' IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS)- ready networks, more than three times its nearest competitor. At the end of 2007, Sonus-based networks carried 36 billion IP-voice minutes per month.
"The trillion-minute mark is an important milestone for our company and our customers. It demonstrates just how widely embraced IP as a transformative technology has become in the communications space," said Hassan Ahmed, president, chairman and CEO, Sonus Networks. http://www.sonusnet.com/
"The trillion-minute mark is an important milestone for our company and our customers. It demonstrates just how widely embraced IP as a transformative technology has become in the communications space," said Hassan Ahmed, president, chairman and CEO, Sonus Networks. http://www.sonusnet.com/
Swisscom to Offer Eutelsat's Tooway Satellite service
Swisscom will offer Eutelsat's Tooway service as the satellite component of a its universal broadband programme for all Swiss homes. 
Swisscom won a tender from the Swiss Ministry for Telecommunications to make broadband connectivity available as from January 2008 to all residential Swiss customers irrespective of their location. The service will be supplied to households via Bluewin, Swisscom's Internet Service Provider. From its Zurich facilities, Bluewin will be connected by fiber to the Tooway Network Operation Centre managed by Eutelsat's broadband affiliate Skylogic in Turin.
Tooway is delivered through a partnership between Eutelsat and ViaSat. Using Ka-band capacity on Eutelsat's HOT BIRD 6 satellite for both forward and return links, Tooway is based on the SurfBeam DOCSIS broadband satellite system developed by ViaSat and already widely deployed in North America. http://www.tooway.nehttp://www.swisscom.com
Swisscom won a tender from the Swiss Ministry for Telecommunications to make broadband connectivity available as from January 2008 to all residential Swiss customers irrespective of their location. The service will be supplied to households via Bluewin, Swisscom's Internet Service Provider. From its Zurich facilities, Bluewin will be connected by fiber to the Tooway Network Operation Centre managed by Eutelsat's broadband affiliate Skylogic in Turin.
Tooway is delivered through a partnership between Eutelsat and ViaSat. Using Ka-band capacity on Eutelsat's HOT BIRD 6 satellite for both forward and return links, Tooway is based on the SurfBeam DOCSIS broadband satellite system developed by ViaSat and already widely deployed in North America. http://www.tooway.nehttp://www.swisscom.com
- The new "Tooway" service is being delivered using the Ka-band spot beam capacity on Eutelsat's HOT BIRD 6 satellite at 13 degrees East. It will also be available via Ku-band capacity on the EUROBIRD 3 satellite. The Ka and Ku-band hubs with equipment supplied by ViaSat to manage Tooway are now fully commissioned and ready for service at Skylogic's SkyPark teleport in Turin, Italy.
- ViaSat's SurfBeam DOCSIS terminals are already used by over 325,000 subscriber homes in North America to deliver ADSL-like services, with a peak of almost 90,000 units shipped over the last three months.
Apple Signs Major Studios for iTunes Movie Rentals
Apple's Steve Jobs introduced iTunes Movie Rentals, featuring movies from the major movie studios--20th Century Fox, The Walt Disney Studios, Warner Bros., Paramount, Universal Studios Home Entertainment, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), Lionsgate and New Line Cinema. Apple expects to offer more than 1,000 movie titles by the end of February, including over 100 titles featuring in high definition video with 5.1 Dolby Digital surround sound. Movie rentals are $3.99 for new releases and $2.99 for library titles. Customers have up to 30 days to start watching the movie, and once a movie has been started customers have 24 hours to finish it.
Apple also unveiled all new software for Apple TV, which is now priced at $229 for a 40GB version and $329 for a 160GB model (US and Canada).http://www.apple.com
Apple also unveiled all new software for Apple TV, which is now priced at $229 for a 40GB version and $329 for a 160GB model (US and Canada).http://www.apple.com
Sea Launch Delivers Thuraya-3 Satellite to Orbit
Sea Launch successfully launched the Thuraya-3 mobile communications satellite aboard a Zenit-3SL vehicle from the Pacific Ocean. 
Thuraya Satellite Telecommunications Company, based in the United Arab Emirates, will use the satellite to provide a range of mobile voice and data services over large geographic regions. Thuraya, the world's largest provider of handheld mobile satellite services, is preparing to operate commercially in Asia-Pacific markets when Thuraya-3 becomes operational. Boeing built the GEO-Mobile (GEM) spacecraft.http://www.sea-launch.comhttp://www.thuraya.com
Thuraya Satellite Telecommunications Company, based in the United Arab Emirates, will use the satellite to provide a range of mobile voice and data services over large geographic regions. Thuraya, the world's largest provider of handheld mobile satellite services, is preparing to operate commercially in Asia-Pacific markets when Thuraya-3 becomes operational. Boeing built the GEO-Mobile (GEM) spacecraft.http://www.sea-launch.comhttp://www.thuraya.com
One Minute Video: What is IPTV Security?
One Minute Video presented by Christopher Hong, Juniper Networks -- What is IPTV Security?
Jargon Buster
