SPIRENT TARGETS NETWORK TEST SOLUTIONS SPANNING FROM EDGE TO CORE
SPIRENT Communications, a new company created through the combination of Netcom Systems, Adtech, Telecom Analysis Systems (TAS), Global Simulation Systems (GSS) and DLS TestWorks, announced plans to offer a full-range of network test and performance measurement systems spanning from a network's core to the cable modem, xDSL, wireless or satellite access systems at its edge.  Spirent recently unveiled plans for the first combined product from its global operations: an automated test system for evaluating cable modem performance.  The product will integrate Netcom Systems' SmartBits traffic generation and analysis tools with the cable network & interference emulators currently offered by Telecom Analysis Systems (TAS).  The TAS emulator simulates the transmission performance of cable modems, Cable Modem Termination Systems (CMTS), set-top boxes, HDTV equipment, and IP telephony products in a laboratory environment. TAS also offers test solutions for wireless voice and data communications equipment. Spirent's DLS Testworks division, which is based in Ottawa, Canada, supplies a line of xDSL test equipment, including the first VDSL wireline tester. Global Simulation Systems develops GPS navigation test solutions.

For the core of a carrier's packet network, Spirent offers the Adtech AX/4000 Broadband Test System.  Through a licensing agreement with Telcordia Technologies, (formerly Bellcore), Adtech will expand the platform to include Frame Relay, IP and PNNI.  Adtech currently markets a range of ATM test suites under license from Telcordia, including an SSCOP test, ATM layer tests, UNI signalling tests, and PNNI signalling and routing tests.  Adtech recently began shipping a 2.5 Gbps Packet over Sonet (POS) Generator/Analyzer module for its AX/4000 Broadband Test System, enabling service providers to perform continuous on-line monitoring of IP-based networks at OC-48c speeds.  The module allows users to to generate constant bit rate and variable bit rate traffic on the same physical link for testing a variety of class of service (CoS) technologies, including MPLS and DiffServ.

Spirent is a subsidiary of Bowthorpe, plc, an international technology group based in the UK.  The company plans to retain its existing Netcom, Adtech and TAS brand names, while building a global identity under the Spirent name.   http://www.spirentcommunications.com/
SPIRENT Communications, February 14, 2000

MPOWER RAISES $540 MILLION TO FUND NATIONAL EXPANSION
Mpower Communications (formerly MGC Communications), an integrated service provider based in Rochester, NY, raised nearly $540 million through a stock offering and bonds to fund a national expansion of its network.  The company will provide Internet, Voice over DSL (VoDSL), local phone service, custom calling features and long distance services to business customers.  http://www.mpowercom.com
Mpower Communications, February 11, 2000

Last October, Mpower announced that it would deploy TollBridge Technologies’ VoDSL solution in networks in Las Vegas, Atlanta, Chicago, southern Florida, and selected areas of southern California.  TollBridge is a start-up based in Santa Clara, CA.  http://www.tollbridgetech.com/

MICROSOFT TAKES EQUITY STAKE IN ITRAN FOR POWERLINE HOME NETWORKING
Microsoft has taken an equity stake in ITRAN Communications, an Israeli developer of ASICs aimed at home networking based on power line carrier (PLC) technologies.  Financial terms were not disclosed.  The PLC implementation would allow consumer appliance manufacturers to add networking features to their devices for interconnection over existing electrical lines in the home.  ITRAN says its ITM1 Power Line Communications ASIC is capable of speeds of 2.5 Mbps.  The device uses a CSMA collision detection scheme, along with a proprietary modulation technique.  ITRAN Communications recently announced plans to develop a USB-to-Powerline adapter, in cooperation with Silicom.
http://www.itrancomm.com
ITRAN, February 9, 2000

INTELLON UNVEILS 11 MBPS POWERLINE SILICON
Intellon Corp. demonstrated its first working silicon for 11 Mbps powerline networking.  The PowerPacket ICs include Integrated Physical Layer (PHY) and Media Access Controller (MAC) for CSMA/CA networking over power lines.  The devices operate in the 3.5 MHz - 16.5 MHz frequency bands and will meet FCC Part 15 emission standards.  The Ocala, Florida-based company plans to sell its PowerPacket-based ICs to consumer equipment manufacturers.  Investors in the company include Compaq, Philips Electronics, S3, Fidelity Ventures and TL Ventures.
http://www.intellon.com/
Intellon, February 9, 2000

TELICA SECURES FUNDING FOR SWITCHING AND TRANSMISSION PRODUCTS
Telica, a start-up based in Marlboro, Ma., secured a $6.5-million first round of financing from Highland Capital Partners and Prism Venture Partners.  Telica is developing evolutionary broadband packet switching systems with integrated optical transmission capabilities.  Specific product plans have not been disclosed.  http://www.telica.com/
Telica, February 14, 2000

HOT START-UPS DIRECTORY – 19 NEW LISTINGS
A total of 176 companies are now listed in our Hot Start-ups Directory, with more added every day.  http://www.convergedigest.com/DirectoryStartUps.html