TesLA Alliance Targets Open IP Test Automation Framework

Ixia and a set of key industry partners have formed a new TesLA Alliance that aims to provide an open, multivendor automation framework for testing IP platforms and services. This will enable service providers and enterprises to automate their end-to-end testing. Ixia is hosting TesLA Alliance briefings and product demonstrations at its iSimCity proof-of-concept lab in Santa Clara, California. A common automation framework ensures interoperability among members' products.


The founding TesLA members are APCON, Codenomicon, Fanfare, Ixia, Mu Dynamics, QualiSystems and Shunra.


The companies believe a common automation framework is needed because networking labs typically contain test equipment from multiple, disparate vendors. This drives the need for seamless integration and interoperability among the various tools. As a result, IP test automation has moved to center stage because it is the only way quality can be assured after product upgrades, network modifications and software patches.


The TesLA framework is based on Ixia's Test Conductor IP test automation solution.

http://www.teslaalliance.orghttp://www.ixiacom.com/

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ECI Telecom Selected for Network Upgrade in Costa Rica

Radiográfica Costarricense S.A. (RACSA), a service provider in Costa Rica, will expand its network with ECI Telecoms' XDM Multi-Service Provisioning Platform (MSPP). The network upgrade will combine SDH, Ethernet switching and WDM on a single, converged platform. The network is managed by ECI's LightSoft multi-layer network management system, delivering an end-to-end solution to manage the different equipments, network segments and technologies under one management system. Financial terms were not disclosed.


ECI noted that with RACSA as a new customer, its XDM MSPP Platform is now utilized by the two largest carriers in Costa Rica.http://www.ecitele.com

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Zhone Introduces Bitstorm IP DSLAMs for VDSL2 and bonded ADSL2+

Zhone Technologies introduced two new IP DSLAMs leveraging VDSL2 and ADSL2+ for single or bonded-pair copper. The platforms are powered by Ikanos Communications' VDSL2 central office (CO) and customer premises chipsets.


The Bitstorm HP (High Performance) is a 24 Port, VDSL2 IP-DSLAM delivering up to 100/100 Mbps symmetrical services on each port with full ADSL2+ support. The Bitstorm HP is a 1 Rack Unit (RU), environmentally hardened platform, ideal for basement Multi Tenant Units (MTUs) and outdoor cabinets. The platform is optimized for cross talk management at distances up to 5,000 feet, providing the maximum bandwidth available over single-pair copper. Bitstorm HP also fully supports customer premises equipment (CPE) for 25 Mbps services at distances up to 10,000 feet.


The Bitstorm RP (Reach Performance) provides 48 ports of ADSL2+ and operates in single-pair or bonded-pair mode to deliver 45+ Mbps for short loops and up to 25 Mbps at distance up to 10,000 feet. The Bitstorm RP is a high-density 1.5 RU IP/Ethernet DSLAM platform/ A code extension of the popular Zhone/Paradyne DSLAM series, Bitstorm RP provides field proven performance with a feature set that includes ADSL2+ bonding, built in splitters and dual Gig E and far end uplink ports. Other new features include hot-swap servicing and single click configuration with automatic line recognition. Bitstorm RP supports bridged mode or advanced layer operations for premium Quality of Service (QoS) smart home or business applications.


Both Bitstorm platforms are standards-based for interoperability and performance certified with a broad range of VDSL2 and ADSL2+ CPE. Bitstorm HP is rate/reach certified at 100/100 Mbps (VDSL2 30a) with Zhone's 6652 CPE series. Zhone's Bitstorm VDSL platform is also available in a 100 Mbps downstream and 50 Mbps upstream configuration (VDSL2 17a). Changes and upgrades are performed remotely via a single-click Web interface or Zhone's Management System (ZMS) with Multimedia Traffic Management for tiered service guarantees.

"The Bitstorm VDSL2 and bonded ADSL2+ platforms further broaden FTTx delivery options for our customers," said Steven Glapa, Zhone's vice president of product management and marketing. "Bitstorm is a direct response to customer requests for plug and play HD multi-play provisioning in a small, cost efficient form factor."

Ikanos Communications said its FxTM100100-5 VDSL2 CO and FxTM100100S-5 offer the lowest power
consumption per port in the industry. The multi-mode VDSL2 chipsets are optimized for IPTV and triple play offerings.http://www.zhone.com

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Telx Launches 10 GigE Peering Services powered by Force10

Telx, which provides carrier-neutral interconnectivity via colocation facilities across the U.S., has deployed the Force10 C300 resilient switch in its Phoenix Telx Internet Exchange (TIE) platform. The TIE platform provides one and 10 Gigabit Ethernet peering services.


The Force10 C300 supports up to 384 line-rate Gigabit or 64 line-rate 10 Gigabit Ethernet ports in a single chassis. Utilizing the modular Force10 operating system, FTOS, Telx is also simplifying the management of its TIE platform. Online monitoring and diagnostics tools enable Telx to troubleshoot the network without bringing it down.


Force10 said its Reliable Networking product portfolio now powers the three largest Internet Exchanges in the world as well as the largest Internet Exchange in Central Europe.
http://www.force10networks.comhttp://www.telx.com

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Level 3 Delivers Ethernet Transport for Cbeyond

Level 3 Communications' Wholesale Markets Group is now serving as the primary provider of Ethernet transport for Cbeyond, a leading IP-based, managed services provider to small businesses. Under a new agreement, Level 3 will continue to increase bandwidth on current circuits and provide additional circuits as needed in all 12 Cbeyond metropolitan area markets. In doing so, Level 3 will assist in the scaling of Cbeyond's network capacity and the ongoing migration from Time Division Multiplexing (TDM) to Ethernet using Metro Ethernet Private Line services. In addition, Level 3 will provide new Metro Ethernet Private Line services in Detroit, San Francisco, and Minneapolis to enable Cbeyond's expansion in those markets. Level 3 also provides Cbeyond with Voice and High Speed Internet services.
http://www.level3.com

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Mexico's Telcel Deploys Ericsson's Microwave Transmission Links

Telcel - Mexico's leading mobile operator and a subsidiary of América Móvil, has selected Ericsson to provide microwave-transmission links for high-speed mobile broadband. Ericsson's MINI-LINK TN solution will enable Telcel to increase its network coverage and subscriber base for its existing 2G/3G-HSPA network. It will also enable a smooth migration to an all-IP network in the future. The first phase of the contract extends through the end of 2008. Rollout begins in the third quarter of 2008. Financial terms were not disclosed.


Ericsson described the agreement as the largest microwave deal in Latin America so far.http://www.ericsson.com

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Alcatel-Lucent Introduces OmniSwitch 6400 LAN Switches

Alcatel-Lucent introduced its OmniSwitch 6400 family of stackable, layer 2+ Gigabit Ethernet LAN switches for small and medium-sized enterprises, branch offices or for carrier Ethernet access applications. The switches are low-power, compact platforms that feature multi-layer security including user authentication, quarantine VLANs, access control lists, encryption and denial of service protection.


The OmniSwitch 6400 family consists of six models, each offering 24 or 48 triple-speed ports. Each model contains two 10-Gigabit Ethernet stacking ports and up to four Gigabit Ethernet combo ports (RJ45/SFP). Up to eight switches can be stacked with virtual chassis redundancy for a total capacity of 384 ports per stack. Both switch configurations are available with power over Ethernet capabilities for use with VoIP handsets or other Ethernet-powered devices.


For service provider demarcation applications, the switches support Metro access features including Ethernet services, OAM support and IPTV multicast VLANs. The switches are manageable and configurable from Alcatel-Lucent's SNMP-based OmniVista 2500 Network Management System and from the industry leading Alcatel-Lucent 5620 Service Aware Manager (SAM).http://www.alcatel-lucent.com

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Nokia to Launch N96 in the Americas in Q4

Nokia announced plans to offer its N96 multimedia device in the Americas during the fourth quarter of 2008. The device features a large 2.8 inch screen, 16 GB of internal memory and compatibility with a wide range of video formats, including MPEG-4, Windows Media Video and Flash Video.


Network connectivity includes USB 2.0 connection, WLAN and HSDPA support. Additional features include built-in 3D stereo speakers, a 5 megapixel camera with Carl Zeiss optics, flash and video light, and DVD-like quality video capture at 30 frames per second.http://www.nokia.com

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AT&T Expands International Data Offerings for iPhone

AT&T introduced two new international data plans for its iPhone customers: 100 MB or 200 MB a month.


For discounted international data usage in 67 countries, the 100 MB iPhone plan is available for an additional $119.99 a month, while the 200 MB plan costs an additional $199.99 a month. These new plans are in addition to existing plans for smartphones, including iPhone, which offer 20 MB and 50 MB in the same countries. There are no long-term commitments required.http://www.att.com

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