OPTICAL INTERNETWORKING FORUM ESTABLISHES INTEROPERABILITY WORKING GROUP
At a meeting last week in Vancouver, The Optical Internetworking Forum formed an Interoperability Working Group to support development of further testing methodologies for both signaling and Physical and Link Layer (PLL) implementation agreements.  In addition, the PLL Working Group undertook a new project to address TFI-5, a standard interface between OC-768/STM-256 capable TDM switching fabrics and SONET/SDH framers.  The interface, used within an optical cross-connect, can carry a mix of OC-48, OC-192 and OC-768 channels across both electrical and optical back-planes for intra- and inter-channel connections.  http://www.oiforum.com/
The Optical Internetworking Forum, August 9, 2001

MULTISERVICE SWITCHING FORUM OUTLINES PROGRESS ON IMPLEMENTATION AGREEMENTS
The Multiservice Switching Forum (MSF) outlined technical progress on three implementation agreements supporting its vision for multi-service, multi-technology, multi-vendor next generation networks.  The first implementation agreement is a profile of the SIP-T protocol between controllers.  The second IA is a MEGACO/H.248 profile for an IP trunking gateway.  The third is an ATM-oriented IA that creates an MSF profile of the Bearer Independent Call Control (BICC), which was originally developed by the ITU.  All three documents have advanced to straw ballot status.  http://www.msforum.org
MSF, August 9, 2001

FCC CONSIDERS SPECTRUM FLEXIBILITY FOR MOBILE SATELLITE SERVICES
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is considering new rules to provide flexibility in the delivery of communications by mobile satellite service (MSS) providers.  The new spectrum flexibility would allow a wireless “ancillary terrestrial component” (ATC) by which mobile satellite service (MSS) providers could use their spectrum with ground based relay systems to reach areas where their satellite signals may be blocked.  The new rules were proposed by ICO Global Communications for operating in the 2 GHz band (1990-2025/2165-2200 MHz) and Motient Services.  The FCC is seeking comment on the proposed changes.  http://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/International/News_Releases/2001/nrin0113.html
FCC, August 9, 2001

• If the new rules are adopted, ICO said it plans to use small terrestrial antennas, or "repeaters," to solve indoor coverage problems and to extend service availability to urban areas.  ICO intends to use Bluetooth technology in its palm-size repeaters, separating the bulky satellite antenna from the wireless device and enabling customers to use compact cell phones and personal digital assistants (PDAs) both inside and outside buildings and in rural and urban areas.  The ICO constellation will consist of 12 satellites operating in medium Earth orbit (MEO) at an altitude of 10,390 km (6,400 miles).  The air interface will use a communications protocol similar to that employed by terrestrial cellular systems.   http://www.ico.com/

FCC EXAMINES ADDITIONAL SPECTRUM BANDS TO SUPPORT 3G
In order to support 3G and future generations of wireless systems, the FCC is examining whether to re-allocate additional frequency bands to 3G that are currently designated for other services.  These include the Mobile Satellite Service (MSS), the Unlicensed Personal Communications Service, the Amateur Radio Service, and the Multipoint Distribution Service.  Specifically, the FCC seeks comment on reallocating some spectrum in the 1910-1930 MHz, 1990-2025 MHz, 2150-2160 MHz, 2165-2200 MHz, and 2390-2400 MHz bands for new advanced wireless services.  http://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Wireless/News_Releases/2001/nrwl0121.html
FCC, August 9, 2001

CIRRUS LOGIC TO ACQUIRE STEAM MACHINE FOR MPEG-2 ENCODING, TARGET MULTIMEDIA HOME NETWORKS
Cirrus Logic agreed to acquire Stream Machine, a start-up developing MPEG-2 encoding technology, for $110 million in stock.  Stream Machine's proprietary compression technology provides high quality video encoding for multiple home entertainment applications, such as digital-video-disc (DVD) recorders, personal video recorders (PVRs), digital camcorders and PC video peripherals.  The deal represents the fourth acquisition announced in five months by Cirrus Logic.  Cirrus Logic said the combination of audio, video and networking technologies, made possible through its acquisitions of Stream Machine, Peak Audio, LuxSonor Semiconductors and ShareWave (802.11 home wireless networking), would position the company as a driver of next-generation home entertainment products.  Stream Machine is based in Milpitas, California.  http://www.cirrus.com  http://www.streammachine.com
Cirrus Logic, August 9, 2001

• Stream Machine was founded in 1996 by Cheng-Tie (CT) Chen, formerly with Eastman Kodak and Bell Communications Research, and Fure-Ching (FC) Jeng, formerly with Bell Communications Research, and TC Chen, formerly with Bell Communications Research.
• In July, Cirrus Logic announced plans to acquire ShareWave, a start-up developing wireless home networking solutions, for an estimated $92 million in stock.  ShareWave is working on home networks based on IEEE 802.11 standards and capable of transmitting high-fidelity multimedia such as DVD-quality, MPEG-2 video and CD-quality audio.  The solution would also incorporate Channel Agility and FEC (Forward Error Correction) techniques to avoid interference specific to the home, such as microwave ovens or cordless phones.  ShareWave is based in El Dorado Hills, California.  http://www.sharewave.com

DOMINION TELECOM COMPLETES BOSTON-TO-NEW YORK FIBER RING
Dominion Telecom activated its second long-haul fiber network from Boston to New York City.  The new route runs directly between the cities, while an existing route activated earlier this year runs through Albany, New York.  Dominion is offering private line (DS3 - OC192) capacity, 2.5 and 10 Gbps wavelength services, collocation and high-speed Internet access.  Dominion Telecom is using Alcatel’s SONET and 80-channel DWDM equipment in its network.  http://www.dominiontel.com
Dominion Telecom, August 9, 2001

SNOWSHORE RAISES $20 MILLION FOR ITS IP-OPTIMIZED MEDIA PROCESSING SERVER
SnowShore Networks, a start-up based in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, raised $20 million in second round equity funding for its development of an IP-optimized media processing platform that blends voice and dynamic web content.  St. Paul Venture Capital led the financing with existing investors Charles River Ventures and Matrix Partners also participating.  http://www.snowshore.com
SnowShore Networks, August 9, 2001

• In May, SnowShore Networks announced plans to offer a media server for delivering enhanced voice applications that integrate Web content and real-time interactive communications.  In a converged voice/packet network, SnowShore’s carrier class media server would work in conjunction with third party softswitches and voice gateways.  Its function would be to provide advanced voice processing on thousands of individual, low-latency IP voice streams while supporting SIP, VXML, RTP and other open protocols.  The goal would be to bridge the ubiquity of the Web with the advanced, real-time voice services of the telecom world.  Examples of IP enhanced voice applications could include advanced web conferencing, voice-enabled network gaming or IP voice portals (similar to TellMe but enabled over the Web).  The company’s application expertise includes network-based messaging, calling card services, fax services and conferencing.  SnowShore’s plans call for a high-density, fully redundant shelf based on low-latency voice architecture.  Specifics have not yet been announced.
• SnowShore Networks was founded in May 2000 by Joel Hughes and David Penny, both former co-founders of ViaDSP and former executives with Natural MicroSystems.  ShowShore’s technical team is led by Eric Burger, former chief scientist of ADC/Centigram Communications Corporation. The company has raised $10.5 million in funding.  “SnowShore” refers to the name of a road on Cape Cod, MA.

IBM GLOBAL SERVICES EXPANDS ITS PORTFOLIO OF NORTEL PRODUCTS
IBM Global Services expanded its reseller agreement covering Nortel Networks’ products.  IBM has added Nortel Networks OPTera Metro 3500, 5200 and 5300 Multiservice Platforms; Nortel Networks Alteon Web switches; and Nortel Networks Shasta 5000 Broadband Service Node (BSN) to its comprehensive solution set.  http://www.nortelnetworks.com
Nortel Networks, August 9, 2001