Shenick and Ciena Optimize Full Two-Way Active Measurement Protocol Testing

Ciena is using Shenick Network Systems' diversifEye platform to test full two-way active measurement protocol (TWAMP) compliance for its customers.


The TWAMP protocol defines a flexible method for measuring round-trip IP performance among any two devices in a network that supports the standard, such as measuring time delay on a call. Full/complete TWAMP testing enables carriers to go one step further and TWAMP test each node in the network for ultimate end user quality of service (QoS).


Shenick said its full TWAMP testing solution enables Ciena's engineers to perform a network "health check" by measuring the complete IP performance of underlying transport, right down to an individual flow basis, through cooperation between network elements that have already been deployed.http://www.shenick.com

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Orange Business Services Receives License in India

Orange Business Services, the enterprise communications arm of France Telecom, has received a license from India's Department of Telecommunications to provide national and international long distance telecommunications services across the country. The company will be immediately rolling out services through its joint venture company ‘Equant Network Services India Private Limited'. Services will include IP VPNs, MPLS, network- related managed services and adaptive network solutions for enterprises.www.orange-business.com

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AT&T Announces Content Delivery Network (CDN)

AT&T debuted a suite of content delivery and digital media solutions to help companies package, deliver and distribute video and rich multimedia Web content across their networks to the three screens that are core to AT&T's multimedia strategy -- the computer, the television and mobile computing devices such as the iPhone and the BlackBerry. The rollout includes content distribution and management, broadcast video and digital signage services.


AT&T has struck strategic agreements with ExtendMedia, Qumu and Stratacache, which are software companies that specialize in formatting and packaging content that is suitable for both business-to-business and business-to-consumer applications, such as streaming video, live and on-demand webcasting, e-learning and virtual trade shows, as well as the delivery of advertising over emerging media networks. The goal is to offer a turnkey solution to encode, deliver, manage and support video and multimedia files. Businesses will also be able to combine these services with AT&T's security capabilities, hosting, applications and professional services to address their most pressing needs with complete and reliable solutions.


Furthermore, AT&T plans to complete deployment of nearly $70 million in network infrastructure and development investment by year-end to support its digital media capabilities across the U.S., Europe, Japan, Hong Kong, China and Taiwan.


AT&T is creating a new unit to accelerate the company's activities in the content space, and it named Cathy Martine, executive vice president-Content Distribution, to lead AT&T's enterprise digital media efforts.


Available today, AT&T Digital Media Solutions features the following capabilities:

• AT&T Intelligent Content Distribution Service -- A network-based Content Delivery Network (CDN) service that replicates information across the Internet, such as Web page content, large files for download, live video and video-on-demand. At the heart of the service is the ability of the AT&T global network to deliver content closer to the end-user by determining the optimal distribution path based on factors such as server load capacity and user proximity. Because the content is sent from the nearest and best caching node, CDN customers are able to distribute files to end-users more efficiently.



• Content Ecosystem -- AT&T is creating an ecosystem of software providers that it is working to simplify indexing, tagging and encoding services that are required to format content for delivery.



• AT&T Digital Signage -- An end-to-end managed service that enables businesses to distribute their own customized video and other multimedia content to both employees and customers. The AT&T service is scalable and typically delivered on High Definition LCD monitors displayed in high-traffic areas, such as retail outlets,
  employee lunch rooms, airport terminals, hotel lobbies and office reception areas.



• Broadcast Video -- A host of full-motion video transport services that deliver high-quality video images and stereo-quality audio over a fiber-optic network.

http://www.att.com

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LSI Introduces First 12 Gbps Tarari Content Processing Board

LSI introduced its Tarari 8400 series of PCI Express "plug-and-play" content processor boards designed to meet the high-performance needs of network security and telecom OEMs. The company said the new Tarari 8400 offers scalable performance up to 12 Gbps at half the price per Gbps and one-fourth the power of current solutions. LSI's Tarari can automatically detect and load balance up to four of the boards, providing up to 48 Gbps total throughput.


The LSI Tarari content processor family can be used for providing security, quality of service, content-based billing and bandwidth management functions. These solutions support common industry interfaces and a common application programming interface. The Tarari 8400 series consists of four boards offering performance levels of 3 Gbps, 6 Gbps, 9 Gbps and 12 Gbps and supporting PCIe 8 lane interfaces from a wide range of multi-core processors including Intel Xeon, AMD Opteron, Cavium Octeon Plus or RMI XLS. Samples are expected to be available in September.http://www.lsi.com

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Global IP Solutions to List on the Oslo Stock Exchange

Global IP Solutions (GIPS), which provides a processing solution for improving the quality of IP communications, will list its shares on the Oslo Stock Exchange. The first day of trading will be no later than August 1, 2008.


The company also announced that Emerick Woods has been appointed CEO. Woods was previously President and CEO of Aligo and held similar positions at Trapezo and Coherity, Vicinity and TuneUp.com.


The company is now headquartered in San Francisco with offices in Stockholm, Boston and Hong Kong. More information at /
http://www.gipscorp.com

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Sipera Enhances Security on SIP Trunks

Sipera Systems has upgraded its IPCS security appliances to advance security for SIP trunking and better integrate with SIP trunk provider services. The Sipera VIPER Engine, the core security engine for Sipera IPCS appliances, has likewise been upgraded to more quickly address the latest vulnerabilities and threats, adding the capability to download security signatures automatically, and enhanced anomaly detection capabilities against zero day attacks. And, for enterprises adopting Avaya teleworker and mobile solutions, enhanced IPCS functionality allows them to simply and securely deploy mobile workspaces.


For enterprises utilizing SIP trunks to connect to their service providers, Sipera said it now offers additional Session Border Control (SBC) functionality. The upgraded Sipera IPCS appliances have been integrated with Tier-1 SIP trunk providers, and offer QoS reporting, enabling network administrators to monitor latency, jitter and packet delay for critical UC applications, and identify bandwidth spikes that might indicate an attack or other anomalies.


The new Sipera IPCS functionality to simplify the deployment of Avaya teleworker and mobile solutions includes:

• Certificate provisioning proxy for improved access control;



• HTTP/TFTP proxy for web services and configuration, and LDAP proxy for directory services, for faster and easier deployment of remote phones;



• TLS/SRTP proxy for encryption, further ensuring communications privacy; and



• Network, device, user, domain, and time of day granular policy enforcement.

http://www.sipera.com

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TI Introduces Modular Open Voice Engine (MOVE) Software for DSPs

Texas Instruments (TI) introduced its Modular Open Voice Engine (MOVE) software, a flexible voice solution ported to run on TI's TMS320C64x+ digital signal processor (DSP) core. MOVE is aimed at helping equipment manufacturers to meet the next-generation processing requirements for a broad range of IP-enabled devices. Equipment manufacturers looking to add value to their VoIP-enabled platforms can use TI's MOVE software as the core to build and customize applications including addition of unique codecs, proprietary acoustic echo cancellation (AEC), or customized video and multimedia components.


"TI's MOVE software architecture makes the dream of enabling voice on every IP device a reality by equipping customers with a solution that allows them to customize their own software on top of what TI already provides," said Fred Zimmerman, director of CPE voice solutions for TI's communications infrastructure and voice business. "By porting our robust, field-proven voice to run on the C64x+ DSP, TI is enabling equipment manufacturers to significantly increase the functionality of their application offerings with less investment and risk, and to build a roadmap for the future of voice-enabled IP devices."


TI has shipped over 750 million VoIP ports to date for the IP phone, customer premise equipment (CPE) gateway and high-density infrastructure markets.http://www.ti.com

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BT Offers One Source for Cisco TelePresence

BT announced the launch of its fully-managed immersive video solution for Cisco TelePresence. BT One Source combines Cisco's HD technology with BT Conferencing's management services to provide customers with an outsourced service. Key features of BT One Source for Cisco TelePresence include:

• Design and provisioning: which includes hardware procurement, room readiness and network path assessments


• Detailed room configuration design and set up


• Global Project Management


• Optional IP overlay network


• Proactive device and network monitoring


• 24x7 Help Desk support


• Hosting services for CTMS switch, TelePresence Manager and Cisco Communications Manager


• Automated Call scheduling and launching tools


• Support for TelePresence interoperability with traditional video conferencing devices


• Producer assisted TelePresence calls

BT One Source for Cisco TelePresence is currently available in the US and will be commercially available in Europe and Asia-Pacific shortly.http://www.bt.com

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Cox Deploys Infinera's Gear in Northern Virginia Metro Network

Cox Communications has deployed an Infinera Digital Optical Network for its Northern Virginia metropolitan network. Cox's Northern Virginia metro network is linked to the company's 12,000 mile long-haul Infinera Digital Optical Network that extends from coast to coast.


Infinera's Bandwidth Virtualization architecture enables a variety of data rates and protocols, from 155 Mbps up to 10 Gbps and 40 Gbps, and Ethernet and SONET, to be delivered over the same optical infrastructure with little or no optical re-engineering. Infinera said its GMPLS-powered service intelligence enables services and network resources to be configured in software. Financial terms were not disclosed.http://www.infinera.com

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Cisco Outlines Green Initiative -- Aims for 25% Carbon Reduction by 2012

John Chambers, Cisco's Chairman and CEO, set a goal of reducing the company's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from its worldwide operations by 25 percent over the next four years, reaching its goal in absolute terms by 2012. A major component of the initiative will be to leverage network-based IT to reduce energy use in its facilities and increase it use of telepresence and other collaborative technologies to reduce employee travel. Cisco said it is currently piloting a software solution to model the impact of various factors on carbon footprint, waste reduction targets and other goals. This tool takes into account the rising cost of energy and forecast how it will affect operations and expenditures, as well as to model how certain practices can reduce energy use.


In calendar year 2007, Cisco's gross GHG footprint measured 832,000 metric tons of CO2 equivalents, according to the company. With the new target, Cisco aims to reduce its GHG emissions to a maximum net footprint of 543,000 metric tons of CO2 equivalents by 2012.


In its labs and data centers, which account for a significant percentage of Cisco's energy use, the company will deploy a variety of techniques. These include taking detailed measurements of energy flows, utilizing more efficient lab equipment, using the "virtual network" to store data, adding smart power-distribution units that automatically shut down machines not in use, and upgrading building mechanical and electrical systems.


The company will increase its use Cisco TelePresence and the Cisco WebEx suite of tools to reduce the need for business travel, which accounts for 27 percent of Cisco's GHG footprint. As part of its commitment to the Clinton Global Initiative, Cisco has already decreased emissions from air travel by at least 10 percent per employee. Finally, Cisco will deploy its Cisco Connected Workspace solution in additional locations.


In 2008, Cisco is expected to acquire approximately 460 million kWh of renewable energy worldwide.http://www.cisco.com

• Earlier this month, Verizon introduced its own series of Telecommunications Equipment Energy Efficiency Ratings for new telecommunications-related equipment with the aim of cutting its carbon footprint. The standards will be applied to certain broadband, video, data-center, network and customer-premises equipment purchased after Jan. 1, 2009. The target provided to the manufacturers of such equipment is 20 percent greater efficiency than today's gear.



• Also this month, BT announced a goal to cut its carbon emissions intensity by 80 percent across the globe by 2020 , setting one of the most aggressive corporate carbon reduction targets worldwide. The company also published a new model for measuring and tracking carbon emissions – backed by the Carbon Disclosure Project. This represents an important step in measuring carbon emissions in a consistent way across the globe. BT said it intends to meet the 80 percent reduction target through a continued combination of energy efficiency, on-site renewable generation (aiming for 25 per cent of its UK electricity to come from dedicated wind turbines by 2016) and purchased low-carbon electricity. Furthermore, BT estimated that it has already reduced emissions in the UK by nearly 60 percent between 1996 and 2008.

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Motorola Cable Modem Gains DOCSIS 3.0 Certification

Motorola's SURFboard SBV6220 digital voice modem has achieved PacketCable 1.5 certification during CableLabs' Cert Wave 59. This certification marks one of the first complete DOCSIS 3.0 and PacketCable 1.5 certifications of an embedded multimedia terminal adapter (eMTA) in the industry.


The Motorola SURFboard SBV6220 digital voice modem, which is powered by TI's Puma 5 chip, supports DOCSIS 3.0 data functionality and enables MSOs to provide their customers with advanced multimedia services through additional upstream and downstream bandwidth availability. The SURFboard SBV6220 digital voice modem was previously certified for data services in CableLabs Cert Wave 58 last month. It uses industry-standard signaling protocols to provide high-speed Internet access and up to two lines of full-featured digital voice telephone service over cable's broadband connection to the home. The SBV6220 is backward compatible to DOCSIS 1.0, 1.1 and 2.0.


The Motorola SURFboard SBV6220 provides MSOs with an economic option for greater than 160 Mbps of user data throughput, without the need for a hybrid fiber coax (HFC) plant upgrade. The SBV6220 supports both IPv4 and IPv6, and Advanced Encryption Services as part of the DOCSIS 3.0 standards.http://www.motorola.com

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Nokia Acquires Remaining Shares of Symbian for EUR 264 million.

Nokia will acquire all of the shares of Symbian that it does not already own, at a price of EUR 3.647 per share in cash, representing the approximately 52% of outstanding Symbian shares for approximately EUR 264 million. The deal is expected to close in Q4.




Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications, Ericsson, Panasonic Mobile Communicationsand Siemens International, which collectively hold 91% of these outstanding shares, have approved the deal. Nokia also expects Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. to accept the offer.


Nokia is simultaneously establishing a Symbian Foundation, together with AT&T, LG Electronics, Motorola, NTT DOCOMO, Samsung, Sony Ericsson, STMicroelectronics, Texas Instruments and Vodafone.


The Symbian OS is an open operating system for mobile devices. User interfaces designed for Symbian OS include S60 from Nokia, MOAP for the 3G network and UIQ, designed by UIQ Technology, a joint venture between Motorola and Sony Ericsson. A privately-owned company established in 1998, Symbian has its headquarters in London, UK and other offices in the United Kingdom, United States and Asia (Bangalore, Beijing, Seoul and Tokyo).

Nokia said mobile devices based on Symbian OS account for 60% of the converged mobile device segment (source: Canalys, 12 months to Q1 2008). Symbian OS represented approximately 7% of all mobile device sales in 2007, up from 5% in 2006 (source: Strategy Analytics). To date, more than 200 million Symbian OS based phones have been shipped, over 235 models, from 8 vendors and on more than 250 mobile networks around the world.http://www.nokia.comhttp://www.symbianfoundation.org

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One Minute Video: What is LTE?

One Minute Video presented by James Orr, Fujitsu Network Communications -- What is LTE?


Jargon Buster

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