Conference Announcement: Next Generation Networks (NGN) 2001 - Boston

NETPLANE ANNOUNCES O-UNI PROTOCOL SUPPORT
NetPlane Systems is adding support for the O-UNI protocol, based upon the Optical Internetworking Forum (OIF) User-to-Network Interface (UNI) specifications, to its LTCS Optical software solution.  The O-UNI specification would enable carriers to develop new flexible services, such as user initiated service provisioning and bandwidth trading, by providing a standard set of control plane mechanisms across all types of optical networks.  Such a system would support rapid connection, teardown and restoration capabilities of optical services.  NetPlane’s O-UNI product release is planned to coincide with the timing of the OIF’s O-UNI 1.0 final draft, expected in the October/November timeframe.  Future planned releases of the company’s LTCS Optical software solution will support emerging standards for optical NNI as they are defined by the IETF, OIF and the ITU-T.  NetPlane is actively providing input into these organizations.  http://www.netplane.com
NetPlane Systems, August 13, 2001

• In June, NetPlane introduced its first optical signaling software release supporting the G-MPLS (Generalized Multi-Protocol Label Switching) standard being developed by the IETF.  The software is designed for carrier-class optical core equipment and applications where packetized MPLS and optical MPLS signaling will converge.  It provides optical extensions to NetPlane’s existing MPLS-LTCS (Label Traffic Control System) portable source code.  NetPlane said the launch of its LTCS-Optical software marks the beginning of its strategy for integrated signaling and routing, both for classical and optical IP networking.  The vision would be to enable rapid provisioning across network layers, including Packet, Optical and TDM. 
• In May, NetPlane introduced a BGP 4 (Border Gateway Protocol) module for its carrier class, OPTIRoute IP routing software suite.  The company's initial OPTIRoute release, which was launched earlier this year, already supported the Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) interior gateway protocol.   NetPlane’s source code is targeted at high performance IP service platforms, optical switches, petabit and terabit routers, broadband access devices, and multi-protocol core and edge routers.  NetPlane’s OPTIRoute source code leverages a carrier-class Forwarding Information Base (FIB) to distribute IP routing functionality for platform scalability.  The design also supports MPLS traffic engineering through the ability to provide constrained route lookups for MPLS signaling protocols during LSP establishment. 

RHYTHMS TO SHUT DOWN ITS DSL SERVICE
Rhythms NetConnections has notified its customers that the company’s DSL service will be terminated in one month.  Rhythms also announced that it would fire 700 employees, or 75% of its work force.   Earlier this month, the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.  http://www.rhythms.com/ 
Rhythms NetConnections, August 10, 2001

• As of March 31, 2001, Rhythms had 83,000 DSL lines in service, up from 67,000 DSL lines in service at the end of last year.  The Rhythms network covers approximately 1,400 central office locations.
• Rhythms began its network build in September 1997 and completed an IPO in April 1999.
• Strategic investors and partners with Rhythms have included MCI WorldCom, Microsoft, Qwest Communications, Cisco Systems, Kleiner Perkins Caufield and Byers, GATX Capital Corp., Hicks Muse and others.  The company’s technology partners have included Cisco Systems, Paradyne, Copper Mountain, Netopia, Turnstone, 3Com and Efficient Networks.

ZETTACOM INTRODUCES OC-192 REFERENCE SYSTEM FOR EMBEDDED DESIGNS
ZettaCom, a start-up developing configurable optical silicon, introduced its ZRS-1 reference system, a complete hardware and software environment for embedded designs.  The reference system, which integrates the ZEST hybrid terabit switch fabric and ZEN service processors, provides a development platform for software and common equipment verification.  The 19 inch rack system supports scalable traffic management line cards, from simplex to duplex mode.  The system and reference design kits are now available.  http://www.zettacom.com
ZettaCom, August 13, 2001

• In May, ZettaCom announced commercial availability of its terabit class hybrid switching fabric and its OC-192 traffic manager.  ZettaCom’s ZEST-200 hybrid switching fabric implements an architecture that can scale up to over 1 Tbps of non-blocking switching capacity, allowing for flexible implementation of high-density single-shelf to terabit multi-shelf switching systems and offering a migration path to OC-768.  ZettaCom's ZEN-QM200 provides predictable traffic management capabilities and highly granular QoS differentiation at full-duplex OC-192 wire speed.
• Last month, ZettaCom secured $47.5 million in second round venture financing.  ZettaCom has raised $58.5 million since its inception in 1999.
• ZettaCom was co-founded by Daryn Lau, Chris Bergen and Bob Divivier, all formerly with Cisco Systems and previously StrataCom.  The company is based in San Jose, California.

FUTURE SOFTWARE RELEASES IPV6 ROUTING CODE
Future Software released its FutureIPv6 routing code protocol stack, which provides IPv6 forwarding along with RIPng, ICMPv6 and features like ping, fragmentation and reassembly, neighbor discovery, path MTU discovery, authentication and IPv6 options.  The software provides support for a dual stack architecture with features like tunneling of IPv6 over IPv4.  Future Software’s design features a core protocol stack that is separated from the system environment.  In addition, the stack provides MIB support, and is manageable via SNMP, CLI and other management interfaces.  Initial deployment of FutureIPv6 provides enterprise specific MIB support for configuration through SNMP.  Future Software says it will upgrade the stack to support standard IPv6 MIBs.  http://www.futsoft.com/
Future Software, August 10, 2001

CLEAR RELEASES LATEST VERSION OF NETWORK MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE
Clear, a supplier of network management software, has released its Clearview Optical 7.0 product suite.  The software provides real-time fault, performance monitoring, and predictive analysis of multi-vendor optical, SONET, and SDH networks.  The system’s ReportCard component provides Service Level Agreement (SLA) management and reporting for delivering Quality of Service (QoS) and managing reliability.  http://www.clear.com
Clear, August 13, 2001

ITT INDUSTRIES INTRODUCES HOME NETWORK SOLUTION
ITT Industries’ Network Systems & Services group introduced an integrated home networking solution supporting telephony, data, audio/video and security capabilities over a single cabling infrastructure.  The DiLAN (pronounced "Dylan") home network uses CAT 5 or 5e cabling installed throughout the house and linked between a centrally located control cabinet and numerous RJ45 socket outlets in each room.  A variety of modules link consumer electronic devices, including set-top boxes, TVs, DVDs, home security systems, etc., back to the central control cabinet.  Capabilities also include a PABX for home, an audio distribution system and a 10/100 Mbps Ethernet switch.  Previously launched in Europe, DiLAN has already been installed in approximately 4,000 homes.  http://www.ittnss.com/kb/kb.asp?id=38
ITT, August 9, 2001