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SDL
to Acquire Photonic Integration Research for $1. Billion
SDL Inc. will acquire Photonic Integration Research
Inc. (PIRI), a privately-held developer of arrayed waveguide
gratings (AWGs) , for $1.8 billion is stock. Arrayed
waveguide gratings are used for optical multiplexing (mux) and
demultiplexing (demux) in DWDM systems. SDI said that as the
channel count in DWDM systems continues to increase towards
several hundred wavelengths and as the channel spacing continues
to decrease towards 100 and 50 GHz, it expects AWG to become the
preferred technology over dielectric filter based wavelength mux
and demux systems. PIRI also offers thermo-optic switches used in
optical add/drop multiplexers, thermo-optic based variable optical
attenuators (VOAs) used in gain equalization, and optical
splitters used for distribution of the optical signals. The
products are applicable to the undersea, long haul and metro
markets. PIRI was formed in 1987 by NTT, Mitsubishi and
Battelle. The company is based in Columbus, Ohio. http://www.sdli.com
http://www.piri.com
SDL, May 11, 2000
- In February, SDL announced plans
to acquire Veritech Microwave, a privately held manufacturer
of high speed optoelectronic modules for long haul undersea
and terrestrial fiber optic transmission systems, for $590
million in stock. SDL
said the deal would further its position in OC-192, 10 Gbps
module level transmitter and receiver products.
The co-planar technology could have applications in
OC-768 (40 Gbps) systems as well.
Other Optical
Mergers/Acquisitions: http://www.convergedigest.com/DWDM/OpticalMergers.htm
Atlantis
2 Cable Enters Service Between South America and Europe
The new Atlantis 2 undersea cable system connecting Las
Toninas (Argentina) and Fortaleza (Northeast Brazil), as well as
Portugal, Spain, Senegal and Cape Verde officially entered
service. The 12,000 km fiber cable, which has a capacity of 40
Gbps, was built by a consortium of 25 carriers.. Embratel,
which organized the project, also installed two additional pairs
of 40 Gbps cables for its exclusive use, running between the
Brazilian cities of Fortaleza and Rio de Janeiro. http://www.embratel.com.br/
Embratel, May 10. 2000
QWEST
LAUNCHES VPN SERVICE, IP-BASED VIDEO CONFERENCING
Qwest Communications introduced a Virtual Private Network
(VPN) solution that offers quality-of-service, service level
agreements, and network-based firewall capabilities.
Qwest is using a multivendor network incorporating edge
switches from Nortel Networks (Shasta) and CoSine Communications.
The VPN service is positioned as an alternative to
traditional point-to-point and Frame Relay networks.
Qwest is also developing multiple protocol support via L2TP
(Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol).
The service supports multiple access types, including
private line, ATM, Frame Relay, DSL and Dial.
Qwest also introduced an IP-based video conferencing
service that uses dedicated access to the Qwest Internet backbone
and provides ensured performance levels.
Streaming video quality is described as the same as
broadcast or cable TV. http://www.qwest.com
Qwest Communications, May 10, 2000
IPVERSE
UNVEILS SECOND PHASE OF ITS MULTIPROTOCOL SOFTSWITCH
ipVerse has enhanced its software-based, packet telephony
ControlSwitch to scale within the highest traffic core IP or ATM
transport networks. ipVerse's
ControlSwitch uses a distributed software architecture and Sun
workstations to scale beyond one million busy hour call attempts (BHCA).
The platform offers web-based tools and an XML-based language for
augmented services while providing switching interoperability
between multiple protocols, including SS7 ISUP, SS7 TCAP,
MGCP, H.323, IPDC, SIP and ISDN-PRI signaling systems.
The company's first ControlSwitch application is currently
available. The second implementation, the ACX2000, uses a
policy-based engine to determines the best path for a call over
IP, ATM, or TDM infrastructures, on a call-by-call basis.
This enables calls to being routed in a specified manner to the
most cost effective or based on other criteria. The ACX2000
also adds protection for loss of network connectivity between any
of the distributed system elements. It supports a full range
of tandem services, including single-stage long distance dialing,
traffic grooming, and TCAP services such as toll free dialing and
Local Number Portability (LNP). ipVerse's enhaced platform
enters trials this month. http://www.ipverse.com/
IpVerse, May 10, 2000
- ipVerse
has formed an Open Softswitch Alliance (OSA) to promote open,
interoperable next-generation network solutions.
Participants in the group include Copper Mountain
Networks, Tellabs, AccessLan Communications, Convergent
Networks, General Bandwidth, Iperia, Shoreline Communications,
TollBridge Technologies, Trillium Digital Systems, Vertical
Networks and VocalData.
- ipVerse
is led by Art Klein,
a former co-founder of Assured Access Technology
(acquired by Alcatel) and previously, VP of worldwide sales at
Alantec (acquired by FORE Systems). The
company is based in Sunnyvale, California.
NEC
INTRODUCES 40 GBPS MULTISERVICE SWITCH
NEC America introduced its next generation NETNEX 9000
Switch, featuring a 40 Gbps (40 Gbps bi- directional; 80 Gbps
aggregate) fully non-blocking, single-stage fabric with one-to-one
redundancy for the fabric, processors and controllers. The
multiservice platform offers support for OC-48 ATM while providing
a density of up to 256 OC-3 ports. Connection types supported
include PVCs, SVCs, SPVCs and SVC tunneling. http://www.cng.nec.com
NEC America, May 10, 2000
QUARRY
READIES ITS APPLICATION EDGE-SERVICE SWITCH
Quarry Technologies, a start-up based in Burlington, MA, announced
plans to offer a network-aware applications delivery switch.
Quarry has developed custom ASICs incorporating a unique
Prioritized Weighted Fair Queuing technique to enable fine grained
packet prioritization over service provider networks. The platform
would provide high performance routing, MPLS, Differentiated
Services, and VPN technologies. In addition to its own ASICs, the
box will use network processors from Sitera. Quarry will provide
more details on its Application Edge-Service Switch product line
at next month's SuperComm show in Atlanta. http://www.quarrytech.com/
Quarry Technologies, May 11, 2000
- In February, Quarry raised $22
million in funding investors include Walden International
Investment Group, ArchVenture Partners, Alta Partners,
Tredegar Investments, Sofinnova Ventures, MGN Opportunity
Group, Boston University Community Technology Fund, Dow
Chemical Company and Genuity (BBN/GTE).
LEVEL
3 PROVIDES FIBER TO EQUINIX CENTERS
Level 3 Communications will provide fiber and wholesale IP
services in Equinix’s neutral Internet Business Exchange centers
nationwide. The IBX
centers provide highly secure facilities for SPs, ASPs, content
providers, eCommerce companies and other IBX participants.
http://www.equinix.com
Equinix, May 10, 2000
- Last month, Cable & Wireless
agreed to provide direct fiber connectivity and IP services in
Equinix centers.
CABLE
& WIRELESS COMPLETES FIRST PHASE OF IP UPGRADE
Cable & Wireless completed the first phase of its $3.5 billion
global IP network build program with the completion of IP nodes in
London, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Paris, Hong Kong, Tokyo and Sydney.
The company is pursuing a one-hop architecture and OC-192
capacities. Cable
& Wireless is already operating clear channel OC-192c 10 Gbps
IP/MPLS circuit on the East coast.
The company is also building web hosting facilities.
In its next phase of expansion, Cable & Wireless will
install further nodes in countries including Spain, Belgium,
Switzerland, Italy, Denmark, Sweden with additional nodes in the
UK, Japan, France and Germany. http://www.cablewireless.com/news.asp?NewsId=39
Cable & Wireless, May 10, 2000
TELIA
SELECTS LUCENT'S WAVESTAR OLS 400 G FOR ITS VIKING NETWORK
Telia selected Lucent TechnologiesEWaveStar OLS 400G
optical networking system for its Viking network in Europe and
North America. The deal was valued at $200 million. By the end of
2,000 themulti-duct network will cover 30,000 km throughout Europe
and the US connecting 40 major cities.
Lucent, May 10, 2000
CORVIS
AWARDED $200 MILLION OPTICAL CONTRACT WITH BROADWING
Broadwing will purchase $200 million in long-haul optical
transport systems from Corvis. Earlier this week, Broadwing
introduced its first wavelength carrier services to operate over
its US coast-to-coast network. http://www.corvis.com
Corvis, May 11, 2000
US
WEST BEGINS OUT-OF-REGION BROADBAND INITIATIVE IN CALIFORNIA
US West launched its first out-of-region initiative to
provide broadband access services. The company initially is
targeting DSL to multi-tenant offices buildings in Sacramento,
California. Expansion to San Diego, San Francisco and San Jose
will follow. http://www.uswest.com/news/051000_c.html
US West, May 11, 2000
NORTEL
NETWORKS SIGNS OEM DEAL FOR SONOMA'S INTEGRATED ACCESS
Nortel Networks will resell Sonoma Systems's ATM access
devices under an OEM agreement. Nortel Networks will incorporate
the Sonoma Integrator, Sonoma Access and Sonoma Integrator Xi
products into Universal Edge 600 series that supports digital and
analog voice; circuit emulation; Frame Relay; 10/100 base T
Ethernet; and IP over ATM WAN (single or multiple T1/E1, DS3/E3,
OC3/STM-1). Nortel Networks also gained the right to acquire an
equity interest in Sonoma Systems. http://www.nortelnetworks.com
Nortel Networks, May 10, 2000
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