AudioCodes Debuts VoIP Chip for Analog Telephone Adapters

AudioCodes, Jungo and Legerity introduced a VoIP chip with fully integrated software and hardware reference design for developers of Analog Telephony Adapters (ATAs) and Broadband Access devices for the residential and SOHO markets. In its basic configuration, the Tulip AC494 ATA integrates two 10/100 baseT Ethernet ports and one to four VoIP ports, with two FXS analog interfaces. It can also support various configurations of FXS and FXO ports using pin and software compatible devices from Legerity's VE880 VoicePort Series. The Tulip AC494 ATA is currently available in selected configurations with an estimated Bill of Material (BOM) of under $25.
http://www.audiocodes.com
http://www.jungo.com

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Zarlink Releases Timing-over-Packet Devices

Zarlink introduced its new generation of ToP (Timing-over-Packet) devices specifically designed to transmit timing and synchronization over asynchronous packet switched networks. The devices can be integrated into equipment such as xPON platforms, broadband-DLC (digital loop carriers) and wireless infrastructure gear, to provide synchronization over a packet network.


Traditionally, wireless network synchronization between base station controllers and base stations relied on a T1/E1 synchronization and a standard PLL (phase-locked loop). As wireless operators move to a packet backhaul approach, synchronization will be achieved using alternative mechanisms.


One method has been to deploy GPS receivers and oscillators to synchronize network traffic. However, this approach adds capital and operating expense costs.


Zarlink said its ToP technology allows wireless operators to eliminate T1/E1 interfaces while at the same time achieving better than the G.823/G.824 standard for MTIE (maximum time interval error) and frequency accuracy.


The ToP technology uses a processing engine developed for Zarlink's CESoP (Circuit Emulation Services over Packet) family of devices.
The ToP technology encodes a PRS (primary reference source) clock at the "master" node and subsequently transmits this clock over the packet network within a specific packet connection. The "client" node then recovers the clock through the use of complex algorithms employing a number of field-proven techniques.
http://www.zarlink.com

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Aperto Raises $17 Million for WiMAX Solutions

Aperto Networks raised $17 million in the first tranche of a Series E financing round for its WiMAX solutions.


Aperto Networks is a founding board member of the WiMAX Forum as well as a founder and lead contributor to IEEE 802.16a/d and the ETSI-BRAN standards. Its PacketMAX and PacketWave systems consist of a family of base stations, subscriber units, radios and antennas in 2.5, 3.5 and 5 GHz frequencies for point-to-multipoint and point-to-point deployment.


The funding was led by Canaan Partners and was raised from existing investors, including JK&B Capital, Alliance Ventures, Innovacom, Tyco Ventures, Labrador Ventures, and Satwik Ventures. The latest round brings the company's total capitalization to $94 million.
http://www.apertonet.com

• Aperto Networks is headed by Dr. Reza Ahy, who previously held executive and technical senior management positions with Harris Corporation, Varian Research Center and RadioLAN. The company's technical team is led by Dr. Subir Varma, who previously was Director of Systems Architecture at Hybrid Networks, where he was responsible for its MMDS system.

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Seagate Acquires Mirra for Home Networked Storage

Seagate Technology has acquired Mirra, a start-up providing networked digital content protection products for homes and small businesses, for an undisclosed sum.

Mirra's appliance, software and services provides continuous backup of data from multiple PCs, free secure online remote access and file sharing, and automatic file synchronization across networked computers.

Seagate said Mirra is a perfect strategic fit as it looks to extend its branded offerings and to deliver simple, reliable consumer solutions for safeguarding, sharing and accessing the consumer's digital life.
http://www.seagate.com/http://www.mirra.com/

• In June 2005, Seagate introduced a new 500GB hard drive for DVR and home entertainment systems. It will provide up to 85 hours of High-Definition TV recording, 500 hours of standard TV recording, and up to 10 simultaneous TV streams. Seagate said its DynaPlay Technology fine-tunes the drive's operating parameters for entertainment applications, including performance for uninterrupted digital media, security to enhance fair use of digital programming, and power to give manufacturers more leeway in selecting cost-efficient power supplies and keep internal temperatures under control.



• In May 2005, Seagate Technology, which claims the leading market share position among hard disc drive manufacturers in key market segments, issued a report predicting increased shipments to satisfy the demands of the "Terabyte" Lifestyle. The disc drive industry is projected to exceed $30 billion and 550 million units annually by 2008, according to Gartner Research, up from $21.4 billion in 2004. Seagate alone is shipping almost 10 million more drives per quarter than it did just two years ago. Seagate has driven product innovation and reliability to new heights. Seagate expects to announce additional products in the coming months that will further penetrate the growing CE and home markets, as well as its traditional computing markets.



• In March 2004, Mirra secured $8 million in funding led by Sequoia Capital and included existing investors Venture Strategy Partners and Sunrise Capital. Mirra is based in Mountain View, California

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FCC Moves its Katrina Meeting to BellSouth Facility

The FCC has moved the venue of its special open meeting on the effects of Hurricane Katrina on communications services to BellSouth's Emergency Control Center located in Atlanta. The open meeting is scheduled for 11:00 am on September 15th.


The FCC said it relocated the meeting to Atlanta for the convenience of those testifying.
http://www.fcc.gov

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MultiService Forum's R2 Architecture Builds Momentum

Acme Packet, Convedia, ETRI, IP Unity and Xener Systems are the latest network equipment vendors to claim compliance with the MultiService Forum's (MSF) Release 2 (R2) Architecture. They join Cisco Systems, Fujitsu, Leapstone Systems, Marconi, MetaSwitch, Nortel, Operax and Siemens as adopters of the MSF's Release 2 Implementation Guidelines.


The MSF R2 Architecture provides the essential framework and common semantic for the definition of a multi-service network. Definition of a set of physical architecture implementations within the framework enables MSF members to focus on a common set of commercially viable scenarios. Issues addressed by the architecture include:

• IP core network QoS



• Advanced services



• Interworking with legacy PSTN



• Multiple carrier QoS enabled solutions



• Global advanced services interoperability



• IPv4/IPv6 inter-working where applicable

Compliance with the MSF Release 2 Architecture Guidelines is self-determined by each participating company. MSF members who are able to demonstrate equipment that is compliant with the Release 2 Architecture and the supporting Implementation Agreements (IA's) can claim MSF R2 "compliance" and use the MSF R2 Logo on that equipment.



The MSF Release 2 Implementation Guidelines and a usage checklist can be found online.


A list of products supporting the MSF Release 2 Implementation Guidelines is also online.
http://www.msforum.org

• Several of the MultiService Forum (MSF) Implementation Agreements (IAs) are incorporated into BT's 21st Century Network (21CN) program. MSF IAs build upon protocols issued by standards bodies such as the ITU and IETF, providing practical methods for applying standards to real world networks.

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Level 3 Signs Network Agreement With DANTE

DANTE, a UK-based, non-profit operator of large academic research networks, will purchase inter- city dark fibre from Level 3 connecting the cities of London, Brussels, Amsterdam, Frankfurt and Paris. DANTE is also leasing colocation space in Level 3 data centres in London, Brussels and Dusseldorf as part of the transaction.


DANTE is currently building a next-generation European research network known as GEANT2, which will service more than 3 million users across 34 countries.
http://www.level3.com/

• In June 2005, Alcatel's optical gear was selected for GÉANT2, the successor to Europe's current academic research network. GÉANT2, which promises a total network of nearly 500 Gbps, will connect research facilities in thirty-four countries, including major European sites in the UK, the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, France, Spain, Denmark, Austria, Italy, Hungary, Croatia, Slovenia, Poland, Ireland, Portugal and Greece. The network will deliver multiple, switched 10Gbps links to its major hubs. It will be managed by the Alcatel 1350 management suite and include the Alcatel 1626 Light Manager DWDM platform for ultra long-haul applications and the 1678 Metro Core Connect (MCC).



• Financially, GEANT2 is the result of joint efforts at European and national level. The European Commission contributes EUR 93 million to this project, just under half the total cost. The rest is funded by national research and education networks.



• TeliaSonera has been selected as the major carrier to DANTE.



• The GÉANT network has been in full production service since December 2001. It replaced the previous TEN-155 network.

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MCI Launches On-Demand Storage Service for Managed Hosting Customers

MCI introduced a new on-demand storage service with a pay-as-you-go model, enabling customers of MCI's Enterprise Hosting Services to store critical company information using MCI's new shared, multi-Gigabit, redundant Fibre Channel network.


MCI said it can quickly provision Storage Area Networking (SAN) solutions offering virtually limitless access to storage. The service can be combined with MCI's Smart Back Up and Enhanced Smart Back Up offerings.


MCI's Utility Storage Service uses technology from 3PAR and AppIQ.
http://www.mci.com/

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Scientific-Atlanta Teams with Tropos on Metro Wi-Fi Mesh

Scientific-Atlanta will expand its hybrid fiber-coax (HFC) solutions for cable operators to include Tropos Networks' MetroMesh Wi-Fi products. The companies will collaborate on both strand-mounting, coaxial powering options and fiber converters for the Tropos 5210 MetroMesh routers. These cable-optimized products will be sold through Scientific-Atlanta, enabling cable operators to integrate Tropos' MetroMesh functionality into HFC systems, thereby providing customers with broadband mobility.


Tropos' MetroMesh architecture uses a Predictive Wireless Routing Protocol to allow network operators to quickly deliver city-wide fixed and mobile multi-megabit connectivity for IP- based voice, video and data applications. http://www.scientificatlanta.com/http://www.tropos.com/

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Apple's Xserve RAID Offers 7TB at $1.86 per GB

Apple updated its Xserve RAID storage system, a 3U high-availability, rack storage system to deliver 7 terabytes (TB) of storage capacity at the aggressive price of $1.86 per GB. Designed with 14 independent 500GB Ultra ATA drive channels, Xserve RAID uses the dual independent RAID controllers with 512 MB cache per controller to offer sustained throughput of over 385MBps -- high enough to support the most demanding media production environments using protected RAID level 5.
Apple also upgraded its Xserve 1U rack optimized server with up to three 500GB drives, achieving 1.5TB of storage. Prices for Xserve still start at $2,999 and prices for Xserve RAID at $5,999.


Apple has shipped 76 petabytes of Xserve RAID storage in the last two years.
http://www.apple.com

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Yipes Introduces VPLS Global Multipoint Ethernet WAN

Yipes Enterprise Services announced the deployment of Virtual Private LAN Service (VPLS) within its global Ethernet service delivery platform. At its core, VPLS combines the benefits of Ethernet with MPLS, enabling multipoint- to-multipoint, scalable, switched Ethernet network services with the functionality of a link to a single Ethernet LAN.


Yipes VPLS uses Juniper Networks M-series multiservice routing platforms to create a full MPLS LSP mesh over which all Yipes Ethernet wide area network services operate at Layer 2. This allows seamless and transparent delivery of Yipes Ethernet services to all global enterprise customers requiring a multipoint solution.


Yipes VPLS, now available in all service areas across the Yipes network, complements Yipes' global expansion and allows enterprises to replace global Frame Relay, ATM and private line networks with simple, scalable, cost-effective Ethernet solutions.
http://www.yipes.com/

• Yipes provides services in and between major metropolitan markets including: Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Hong Kong, Houston, Los Angeles, London, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, Seattle, and Washington, D.C.

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Metro Ethernet Forum Issues Carrier Ethernet Certifications

The Metro Ethernet Forum (MEF) issued the first group of Carrier Ethernet product certifications to 39 systems from 16 different vendors. The certifications mean that the equipment complies with the MEF's global Carrier Ethernet service definitions. All the products were tested by Iometrix in accordance with it's MEF-approved "Test Plan for Ethernet Services at the UNI" and the certificates state whether they deliver EPL (Ethernet Private Line), EVPL (Ethernet Virtual Private Line) and/or E-LAN (Ethernet multipoint-to-multipoint) services compliant with the MEF 9 technical specification for such services.


The MEF expects its Carrier Ethernet Certification Program will have a significant impact on the global uptake of Carrier Ethernet. From the vendors' perspective a single certificate can reduce the time and cost of conformance testing and accelerate the deployment of new systems, while end users can have greater confidence in their Ethernet services' consistency. It will also accelerate service providers to evaluate multiple vendors' equipment, respond to new orders or upgrades and focus on delivering the full benefits of Carrier Ethernet Services.


"The demand for Carrier Ethernet is exploding, and the MEF Certification Program will help the networking industry to meet it" said Eric Puetz, Executive Director Broadband Switching, SBC Laboratories. "Increasing interest in Carrier Ethernet deployment in backhaul networks for Wi-Fi and triple-play services is extending demand far beyond just business applications. As this program continues to certify multiple aspects of Carrier Ethernet as defined by the MEF, it will become even easier to deliver the benefits of Carrier Ethernet, including rapid service creation, smooth scalability to 10Gbps, end-to-end protection, robust service level agreements and flexible support for voice, Internet and multicast traffic".


The first sixteen companies to obtain certification for their respective systems include: Actelis Networks, Alcatel, Atrica, Cisco Systems, Extreme Networks, Fujitsu Network Communications, Hatteras Networks, Lucent Technologies, Metrobility Optical Systems, MRV, Nortel Networks, Riverstone, Siemens, Tellabs, T-pack and World Wide Packets.
http://www.MetroEthernetForum.org

	Now is a Great Time for Metro Ethernet!  With continued and growing industry support, the technology has clearly moved beyond its origins in local area networks to become a compelling, robust solution for meeting the service delivery and cost reduction requirements of today's leading carriers and service providers.

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BT Launches Metro Ethernet LAN Service

BT launched Ethernet Virtual Private LAN (EVLAN) service -- one of the first services to be launched as part of BT's 21CN initiative.


The new BT EVLAN service, which is initially available in London and will be rolled-out to other UK metro areas later this year, provides secure any-to-any Ethernet connectivity between multiple sites in a single metro area. BT is offering access speeds from 10, 100 and 1000 Mbps and an open IP environment that allows companies to manage their own IP layer if they choose.
http://www.btplc.com

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Verizon to Offer GSN "Network for Games" on FiOS

Verizon signed a distribution agreement for GSN, the Network for Games, and GSNi, GSN's new interactive play-along service, for its FiOS TV service.


GSN and GSNi join other networks to be offered on Verizon's new TV service, including those from A&E Television Networks, Turner Broadcasting System Inc., Discovery Networks, NBC Universal Cable, Showtime Networks and Starz Entertainment Group, among others.
http://www.verizon.com/http://corp.gsn.com/

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Netcentrex Adds Video to IMS-Compliant Media Server

Netcentrex announced a new release of its MCS IP Media Server, providing advanced voice and video capabilities and serving as an MRF (Media Resource Function) in Netcentrex' IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem) architecture.


The enhanced Netcentrex MCS v6 adds video media processing capabilities, making video accessible from all types of devices, such as fixed video phones, 3G mobile video phones, and PC-based video clients. Video applications available on the MCS IP Media Server include video mail and Netcentrex' Video Service Broker.


Netcentrex said a major European incumbent operator is already using its Video Service Broker to provide a single, automated access method to a variety of content and services for video users from both fixed and mobile networks.


The new version of the MCS IP Media Server has been validated on an AdvancedTCA bladed server running Intel Xeon processors.
http://www.Netcentrex.net

• The Netcentrex MCS IP Media Server can provide pre-integrated media applications within existing Netcentrex solutions. When used as part of the company's "MyCall" Residential Services Suite or Business Services Suite, the MCS provide services such as voice & video messaging, announcements, IVR, prepaid services, multi-party conferencing and video mail to residential and business users. In this case, the MCS is packaged as an application server with an embedded MRF (Media Resource Function), connected to the Netcentrex CCS softswitch or S-CSCF (Serving Call Session Control Function).

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AT&T Launches Trial of Managed, End-to-End, Hosted RFID Service

AT&T will launch customer trials starting early next year of a managed, end-to-end, hosted Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) service. During the 90-day RFID service trials, AT&T will design, deploy and manage integrated, end-to-end RFID solutions, which extend from AT&T's IP network and Internet Data Centers into customer-premises infrastructure, including RFID readers, edge devices and software, local area networks, firewalls and routers.


AT&T noted that its customers have been using its network to piece together their own custom-built RFID solutions for some time. The new AT&T service integrates its services-network integration and consulting, IP transport, hosting, storage, managed applications and security-into a single managed service specifically for RFID.


AT&T today also announced that it has joined EPCglobal to help foster the adoption of the "EPCglobal Network" and related technology. The EPCglobal Network combines RFID technology, existing communications network infrastructure, and the Electronic Product Code (EPC) to enable accurate, cost-efficient visibility of information in the supply chain. As a subscriber to EPCglobal US, AT&T will provide support for adoption of the EPCglobal Network and in the creation of industry standards for RFID technology.
http://www.att.com

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Time Warner Telecom Expands Managed VPN Suite

Time Warner Telecom is expanding its VPN suite to include a managed network-centric, MPLS-based VPN solution. The company already offers IP Sec VPNs and its inter-city Ethernet VPNs (Extended Native LAN service). ENLAN solutions are currently available at speeds from 2 Mbps to 1 Gbps.


Time Warner Telecom's fiber network spans more than 20,000 route miles and connects directly to over 5,500 buildings and a 10 Gbps IP backbone.


http://www.twtelecom.com/

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Xten Appoints Jason Fischl as CTO

Xten Networks has appointed Jason Fischl as CTO. He previously was a founder of the consulting firm SIP Edge, which provides SIP/VoIP client/server architecture and implementation consulting. Prior to co-founding SIP Edge, he was a founder and the CTO of PurpleComm, Inc., which has operations in Taipei, Beijing, Shanghai, and Santa Clara. PurpleComm, under the brand TelTel, is a SIP service provider offering residential VoIP, presence and Instant Messaging services.


Xten is a supplier of SIP softphones. http://www.xten.com

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WiDeFi Names CEO

WiDeFi, a start-up developing silicon solutions that extend the range and enhance the performance of wireless networks, named Geoff Phillips as its news president and CEO. He comes to WiDeFi from ATI Technologies, where he was Vice President and General Manager of the Digital Television (DTV) Product Line. Prior to ATI, Phillips served as Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at NxtWave Communications, a venture funded fabless semiconductor company developing demodulator products for the worldwide DTV markets.


WiDeFi develops chipsets, reference designs and software solutions that address range and signal strength for consumer electronics, wireless telephony, Voice over Wi-Fi, multimedia and broadband wireless access (including 802.11 WiFi and 802.16 WiMax). The company is headquartered in Melbourne, Florida, and is ventured-backed by The Aurora Funds, and Axiom Ventures, Draper Richards, Inflexion, Camp Ventures, and Grace Venture Partners.
http://www.widefi.com

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Telchemy Licenses Video over IP Monitoring Software Agent

Telchemy has integrated IPTV performance measurement into its VQmon/SA-VM video analysis software product, which network equipment vendors can use to embed real-time Video over IP monitoring into set-top boxes, head-end systems, probes, analyzers and routers. Prior to its public launch, four leading test equipment vendors have licensed VQmon/SA-VM.


VQmon/SA-VM is a highly efficient, fast and compact software agent that monitors IP based video streams in real-time, measures the time distribution of lost and discarded packets using a multi-state statistical model, examines the type of video codec, bit rate and other factors and uses a perceptual model to calculate a video transmission quality factor and an estimated VQS (MOS) opinion score. VQmon/SA-VM supports H.261, H.263, H.263+, H.264, MPEG1, MPEG2, MJPEG, MPEG4 and VC1 codecs over RTP/UDP and MPEG2 Transport/UDP protocols.


VQmon/SA-VM is able to monitor large numbers of video streams in real time, with a capacity of over 100,000 packets per second when implemented in software on a typical server platform and over 1 million packets per second when implemented in network processors or silicon. This allows test equipment vendors to build probes and analyzers that can monitor high-speed aggregate video streams, or set-top box manufacturers to add video performance monitoring into existing products with no additional hardware cost.
http://www.telchemy.com

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