NETWORK ELEMENT CONTROL PROTOCOL INTRODUCED FOR WEB SWITCHING AND CACHING
A new Network Element Control Protocol (NECP) has been developed to provide an open, industry-standard approach to the deployment of interoperable traffic load balancing solutions from Web cache and Web switch equipment vendors.  The proposed NECP specification, which is backed by Alteon WebSystems, Foundry Networks, Network Appliance, Novell and RADWARE, will allow caches to inform switches of how to manage particular types of IP traffic, such as directing non-cacheable requests straight to the origin server rather than through the cache. NECP also enables a cache or server to inform the switch as to how busy it is.   The specification will be published and presented as an Internet Draft to the IETF.  Copies are available online.  http://www01.netapp.com/necp/
NECP, October 20, 1999

3G PARTNERSHIP PROJECT APPROVES SPECIFICATIONS FOR IMT-2000
The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) approved detailed specifications for its submission to the IMT-2000 radio interface standard.   The approved items included a detailed terrestrial radio interface specifications for UTRAN, the W-CDMA radio access network proposed to the ITU. 3GPP also accepted a work item proposal for a core network architecture that uses IP for the transport of all user data and signalling. It is intended that the definition of this "All IP" network be part of the Release 2000 series of specifications. 

The 3GPP organization is preparing a complete set of globally applicable technical specifications for a 3G mobile system based on the evolved GSM core networks and the radio access technologies supported by its partners.  Members include the Association of Radio Industries and Businesses (Japan), the China Wireless Telecommunication Standard, the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI), Committee T1 (USA), the Telecommunications Technology Association (Korea), and the Telecommunication Technology Committee (Japan).  http://www.3GPP.org
3GPP, October 20, 1999

TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INTRODUCES VDSL CHIPSET 
Texas Instruments introduced a very high-speed digital subscriber line (VDSL) chipset based on discrete multitone (DMT) line coding.  The DSP-enable chipset is expected to support 26 Mbps symmetrical connections at 1,000 feet (305 m) and up to 6.5 Mbps connections at 5,000 feet (1524 m). The chipset is capable of aggregate speeds (sum of downstream and upstream data rate) of up to 60 Mbps. It can be programmed to operate either symmetrically or asymmetrically.  Product release is scheduled for Q2 2000.  http://www.ti.com/sc/docs/products/network/vdsl.htm
Texas Instruments, October 20, 1999

ALCATEL AND TEXAS INSTRUMENTS PROMISE INTEROPERABLE VDSL IN 2000
Alcatel and Texas Instruments agreed to work together to deliver interoperable DMT (discrete multi-tone) VDSL solutions in 2000.  The collaboration will include modem and chipset interoperability, as well as interoperability standards-based ADSL platforms.  Other companies are invited to join the DMT-based VDSL initiative.
http://www.ti.com/sc/docs/news/1999/99075.htm
TI, October 20, 1999

GLOBALONE EXPANDS ITS ATM SERVICE
GlobalOne added a fully managed customer premise equipment (CPE) option to its worldwide ATM service.  As an end-to-end solution, Global One will take responsibility for configuring, installing, maintaining, and managing the ATM CPE at each site.  The service uses Lucent's access concentrators and Nortel's Passport platform.  GlobalOne also expanded ATM service availability to over 850 cities in more than 40 countries. http://www.global-one.net/
GlobalOne, October 20, 1999

 GlobalOne was established as a joint venture of Deutsche Telekom, France Telecom and Sprint.  With Sprint planning to merge with MCI WorldCom, both France Telecom and Deutsche Telekom have said they are exploring other ownership options for the company.

WILLIAMS OFFERS DEDICATED INTERNET ACCESS AT BANDWIDTH OPTIONS OF T-1 AND T-3
Williams Communications began offering Dedicated Internet Access at bandwidth options of T-1 and T-3.  Williams said its strategy is to provide wholesale bandwidth products, such as high speed peering and transit, as well as a full-service product set offered for carriers to market under their own brands. http://www.williams.com/news/newsreleases/rel405.html
Williams Communications, October 20, 1999

NEWBRIDGE AND JETSTREAM COLLABORATE ON VODSL
Newbridge Networks and JetStream Communications will co-market voice-over-digital subscriber line (VoDSL) solutions.  Newbridge's MainStreetXpress 36170 switch and its 350 Integrated Versatile Services Node (IVSN) will directly interconnect with Jetstream integrated access devices (IADs) via integral T1 or DSL interface cards.  The solution enables the delivery of data and voice services to customers that are beyond DSL range by using standard and widely available T1 access lines.  JetStream also provides a voice gateway that resides in a carrier's regional switching center and serves as a bridge between a Class 5 voice switch and the DSL access network.

Separately, Newbridge Networks announced full interoperability of its 36170 switch and its 350 Integrated Versatile Services Node (IVSN) with FlowPoint's SDSL Router and 2200V Integrated Access Device (IAD). FlowPoint is a wholly owned subsidiary of Cabletron Systems. http://www.newbridge.com  
Newbridge Networks, October 20, 1999

COVAD COMMUNICATIONS REACHES 31,000 DSL LINES, 880 CENTRAL OFFICES
As of September 30, Covad Communications had 31,000 DSL lines in service, up 86% from 16,700 lines at June 30.  Service ready central offices increased during the third quarter by 65%, to 880 from 534 at June 30.  Covad services are now available in 51 metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs).  http://www.covad.com/press_102099.cfm
Covad Communications, October 20, 1999