The Standards-based Case for IMS
by Michael H. Cooper
Topics: Main | Archive
BT Openreach Cuts Ethernet Backhaul Prices by up to 65% BT's Openreach division is cutting prices by up to 65% across a range of access and backhaul services. Specifically, effective immediately for new and existing connection orders, and from the 1st February 2009 for rentals, the price reductions will encompass most of Openreach's WES, WEES and BES products. Changes include: 
"For our key Broadband suppliers this means the opportunity to buy super-fast gigabit capacity at drastically reduced prices and the chance to enhance their own network capacity with minimal incremental investment. In addition Communication Providers will soon be able to purchase ten times the capacity they buy today for more or less the same price, allowing business customers to massively improve their connectivity at a fraction of the cost, and providing a boost for UK competitiveness in an uncertain economic climate," stated Steve Robertson, CEO of Openreach
- BES 1Gb product connection reduced by up to 62% and rental by up to 31%.
- WES/WEES 100Mb Local Access reduced to the same price as 10Mb Local Access for both connection and rental, representing a reduction of up to 43% for connection and up to 14% for rental.
- BES 100Mb reduced to the same price as BES 10Mb for connection and rental, representing a reduction of up to 65% for connection and up to 26% for rental.
http://www.btplc.com
24-Nov-08
Nortel Bundles ANDA CPE into its Metro Ethernet Solution Nortel has expanded its relationship with ANDA Networks to include the provision of its Ethernet network termination equipment into the Nortel Metro Ethernet Networks portfolio. This will allow Nortel to provide an end-to-end solution for service providers to offer hosted E-VPN services to businesses.
Specifically, Nortel's Metro Ethernet solutions now include ANDA's EtherReach portfolio which provides an extension of E-VPN services over fiber and copper-based networks. The ANDA products can be bundled with Nortel's Carrier Ethernet portfolio – which has over 100 customers globally. They can also be bundled with Nortel's Optical Ethernet portfolio which features the Optical Multiservice Edge (OME) – which has over ten thousand units deployed.http://www.nortel.com
http://www.andanetworks.com
19-Nov-08
Tellabs Unveils New Ethernet Aggregation Switch Tellabs unveiled a new line-up of Metro Ethernet products that extend its Carrier Ethernet solutions even closer to end users. The Tellabs 7345 Ethernet Aggregation Switch is the first product in the new line. Key features include: 
Commercial availability is expected in the first quarter of 2009.
- Aggregation of up to 48 10/100/1000 Mb/s optical or electrical interfaces into 10GbE uplinks, all in a compact 2RU shelf configuration. This flexibility enables operators to meet a wide range of deployment needs;
- Temperature-hardened device for deployment in uncontrolled environments;
- Redundant architecture for delivery of highly available services. Tellabs provides support for redundant port interfaces, redundant power supply and redundant control plane processors. With this flexibility, operators can satisfy a wide range of deployment needs;
- Rich Ethernet feature set that supports traditional switched Ethernet applications and emerging connection-oriented applications.
http://www.tellabs.com
12-Nov-08
Cisco Debuts ASR 9000 Aggregation Services Router Cisco unveiled its ASR 9000 Aggregation Services Router providing up to 6.4 terabits per second of total capacity and designed for the delivery of video services over next-gen access networks. The Cisco ASR 9000, which will be offered in 10- and six-slot models, leverages the same 40-core "QuantumFlow" processor that is featured in the smaller capacity Cisco ASR 1000 edge router introduced earlier this year. The QuantumFlow processor can be used for advanced subscriber management functionality and/or silicon-driven security processing per packet. The ASR 9000 also uses the same IOS XR as the network core 92-terabit Cisco CRS-1 Carrier Routing System (CRS). Each of the slots on the ASR 9000 delivers up to 400 Gbps of capacity, enabling it to handle high densities of 1, 10, 40 or future 100 Gbps links. Cisco said it spent four years and over $200 million to develop the platform The Cisco ASR 9000 will also extend IP over dense wavelength-division multiplexing (IPoDWDM) with Ethernet services to the aggregation edge by integrating optical transponders. Cisco argues that by providing IPoDWDM from core to edge with Cisco CRS-1, Cisco XR-12000 and Cisco 7600 Series Routers, its IP Next-Generation Network (IP NGN) architecture can significantly reduces network complexity and cost while reducing the carbon footprint.
The Cisco ASR 9000 also incorporates the Cisco Advanced Video Services Module (AVSM), which enables terabytes of streaming capacity at the aggregation edge while simultaneously offering content caching, ad insertion, fast channel change and error correction. More specifically, the Cisco AVSM eliminates the need for standalone content-delivery network elements and inherits all the high-availability characteristics of the router, which optimizes the network insertion point for advanced content services and moves content sourcing closer to the consumer. Fast channel change and onboard error correction for both unicast and multicast video traffic helps ensure that errors can be detected by any set-top box and retransmitted within milliseconds to maintain a transparent and optimized visual experience for the audience.
As for scalability, Cisco said its ASR 9000 Series brings six times the capacity of competing products to Carrier Ethernet backhaul. Moreover, every Cisco ASR 9000 line card is SyncE-ready, which means that it inherently works with cell site routers to deliver seamless mobile handoff capabilities, avoiding the need and costs incurred to dedicate slots for additional synchronization cards.
Cisco is also introducing a number of green features with this platform, including a modular electrical power system that consumers energy only when slots are put into active service. The six-slot unit has design advantages utilizing a patent-pending side-to-back ventilation scheme that helps service providers free up side-by-side rack space.
In summary, Cisco is positioning the ASR 9000 series as the "Carrier Ethernet Foundation for the Zettabyte Era." According to the "Cisco Visual Networking Index (VNI) Forecast and Methodology, 2007-2012" study, which analyzed network traffic data from major Cisco Service Provider customers globally, IP traffic will increase at a combined annual growth rate of 46 percent from 2007 to 2012, nearly doubling every two years. This will result in an annual bandwidth demand on the world's IP networks of approximately 522 exabytes, or more than half a zettabyte. This demand on networks is equivalent to downloading 125 billion DVD movies per month.
http://www.cisco.com
11-Nov-08
- In March 2008, Cisco introduced a new aggregation platform powered by its 40-core "QuantumFlow" processor and designed for massive scalability in packet intelligence in both service provider and enterprise networks. The new Cisco Aggregation Services Router (ASR) 1000 is the company's most significant new product since the CRS-1 debuted in 2004. The Cisco Aggregation Services Router (ASR) 1000 series, which was developed over more than five years at a cost in excess of a $250 million, packs up to 20 million packet per second (PPS) forwarding rate performance in a compact single router platform. As such, the ASR 1000 could be used to consolidate a number of networking appliances, including firewall, IPSec VPNs, deep-packet inspection (DPI) and Session Border Controllers (SBC). Over 42 patents were filed on the Cisco Aggregation Services Router 1000 Series.
Verizon Business Expands Carrier Ethernet with 10 GigE Verizon Business is expanding its Carrier Ethernet service portfolio with a standardized 10 GigE offering for its Metro Ethernet service in the U.S. Previously, 10 GigE speed -- the fastest commercially available -- had been available from Verizon Business only on a customized basis.
The company now offers 10 GigE for Ethernet LAN Service (E-LAN) and Ethernet Virtual Private Line (EVPL) to customers in Verizon's sprawling U.S. footprint in 100 metro markets, building on the company's existing 10 GigE-capable Ethernet Private Line and optical offerings.
Verizon Business said that by standardizing 10 GigE as a service offering, U.S.-based companies with multiple locations and distributed data centers more quickly and easily consolidate their network infrastructure, virtualize their IT environment and efficiently transmit bandwidth-intensive applications such as high-definition video conferencing and medical imaging.
"10 GigE hits the sweet spot for companies wanting to make the most of their IP networking capabilities for advanced applications that can be true bandwidth hogs," said Nancy Gofus, senior vice president of global business products for Verizon. "Now, these on-demand applications can work harder and smarter across multiple locations across town, featuring the classes of service, service level agreements and security associated with Verizon Business' global Ethernet portfolio."
Verizon's portfolio of Ethernet services features:
- Metro Ethernet Services (E-LAN and EVPL) -- available within 100 metro markets in the U.S.
- Virtual Private LAN Service (VPLS) -- available virtually anywhere in the U.S.
- Ethernet Private Line (EPL) -- available within 145 U.S. metro markets and in many locations in 21 European countries.
- Ethernet Virtual Private Line (EVPL) -- available virtually anywhere in the U.S. and in many locations in six Asia-Pacific countries and territories, as well as between the U.S and six Asia-Pacific regions, and between the U.S. and 10 European countries.
- Ethernet Access for Private IP and the public Internet -- available virtually anywhere in the U.S, within 20 European countries, 13 countries in Asia-Pacific and four countries in Latin America and Canada.
http://www.verizonbusiness.com
22-Oct-08
Corrigent Debuts MPLS-based Carrier Ethernet Transport Switch Corrigent Systems introduced its CM-4140 cost-optimized, low-power and small-footprint MPLS-based Carrier Ethernet Transport switch. It supports Ethernet and TDM services for aggregating residential multi-play services, business connectivity and mobile backhaul applications. Corrigent's CM-4140 offers high density GE, 10GE and OC-n/STM-n interfaces supported by 168 Gbps non-blocking, fully redundant switching core in a modular architecture. The CM-4140 provides transport-grade capabilities, high service availability, hierarchical OAM for continuous monitoring and SLA metering, and end-to-end service management via the CM-View Network Management System (NMS).
The CM-4140 joins Corrigent's CM-4314 and CM-4206 Carrier Ethernet Transport platforms introduced last year.http://www.corrigent.com
21-Oct-08
AboveNet's 10Gbps Ethernet Services Certified To MEF Standards AboveNet has attained Metro Ethernet Forums' MEF 9 and 14 certifications for its 10Gigabit Ethernet Private Line (EPL), Metro Area Network (MAN) and Wide Area Network (WAN) services. AboveNet noted that it is the world's first provider to be certified for its 10Gigabit Ethernet services, under the MEF endorsed process. http://www.above.net
21-Oct-08
Qwest Expands Reach of Ethernet Services Qwest Communications, which rolled out Ethernet service in 759 new cities this year, announced a significant expansion of its network reach. This brings the total number of U.S. cities served to 1,129. Qwest also offers Ethernet connectivity in 6 of the 137 international countries it serves. Qwest provides Ethernet services over SONET, Wavelengths and Native Ethernet to fit varying data requirements of enterprise and SMB customers. Qwest's Ethernet expansion is driving its key Ethernet services deeper into target markets and providing new options, speeds and flexibility to new customers. The Ethernet expansion includes metro-area and long-haul optical Ethernet and Ethernet Private Line services.
The Qwest Ethernet portfolio offers a wide range of speeds -- 5 Mbps to 10 Gbps -- and the scalability to accommodate the heavy bandwidth users who require full-time, dedicated or shared point-to-point, and multi-point transport wide area networking and metro area networking (MAN) services, giving customers real choice. Qwest's Ethernet services footprint, which will continue to be extended, integrates Layer 1, Layer 2 and Layer 3 Ethernet services for metro, national and international needs.
"Ethernet is growing rapidly as a networking solution because it's scalable for many different businesses and industries," said Eric Bozich, vice president of Product Management for Qwest. "Whether it is across town or across the globe, customers want secure broadband solutions that use only the necessary bandwidth and can grow along with their business. Our flexible Ethernet options allow customers to tailor their connectivity needs and get a ton of performance and reliability for a relatively low cost."http://www.qwest.com
15-Oct-08
XO Selects Ciena for Nationwide Ethernet Hubs XO Communications has deployed Ciena's Carrier Ethernet Service Delivery Switches throughout its metropolitan networks as part of its new Ethernet Hub service, which provides a scalable way for domestic and international carriers to expand the reach of their Ethernet services in the United States. XO has approximately one million miles of metro fiber networks in major markets across the United States and serves 75 metropolitan markets. The new XO Ethernet Hub service offers dedicated access to its extensive Ethernet footprint, including its Ethernet over Copper footprint serving more than 3.7 million buildings. The service offers a variety of Ethernet bandwidth options ranging from 5 Mbps to 10 Gbps and key Ethernet features, including 802.1Q, VLAN stacking and jumbo frames.
Specifically, XO is deploying Ciena's LE-311v Service Delivery Switch in all metro markets to provide the Ethernet Network-to-Network Interface (ENNI) function of the Ethernet Hub service -- identifying, separating and tagging different traffic types, aggregating the traffic for hand-off to XO's core network and switching the traffic across the network with the appropriate class-of-service, security and rate-limits in a point-to-multipoint architecture. Financial terms were not disclosed.http://www.xo.com
14-Oct-08
- In September 2008, Ciena announced that XO had selected its CN 4200 FlexSelect Advanced Services Platform to support the delivery of its optical metro transport services. XO Communications will utilize Ciena's CN 4200 in its metro networks nationwide to support the aggregation and transport of high-capacity services. In addition, XO Communications is now a designated Managed Services Provider (MSP) partner within Ciena's BizConnect global partner program.
- In January 2008, Ciena announced new G10 and G10X Ethernet Service Modules that deliver Layer 2 Ethernet aggregation, switching and transport capabilities on to the company's CN 4200 FlexSelect Advanced Services Platform family. Targeted applications for the CN 4200 with new Layer 2 Ethernet aggregation and switching capabilities include Metro Ethernet Forum-based Carrier Ethernet services, broadband aggregation for triple play and IPTV services and 3G wireless backhaul.
Ciena Builds on its Carrier Ethernet Service Delivery Portfolio Ciena has enhanced its Carrier Ethernet Service Delivery with a new low-touch devices and intelligent software to simplify and scale Carrier Ethernet service delivery by automating and accelerating service creation and activation in access and metro networks.
Ciena believes that adopting programmable, carrier-class devices that use a common service-aware operating system and unified Ethernet services management software can reduce installation time by up to 75 percent through automated service creation, provisioning and activation.Key additions to the portfolio include:
The full value of these new portfolio enhancements is realized through Ciena's Ethernet Services Manager, which leverages the Carrier Ethernet management plane features of the service-aware operating system to enable automated service activation, creation and administration across Ciena's Carrier Ethernet service switches.
- The new CN 3911 Service Delivery Switch, which is environmentally hardened and suitable for mounting outdoors or indoors. It offers flexible deployment options to support a range of mobile backhaul and business services applications and also provides significant cost savings in terms of real estate, site conditioning and power consumption. It accommodates two Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) network ports, eight 10/100/1000 user ports as well as optional system components, including a physically secure module for customer access to user ports and a voice module with two FXS ports with POTS-VoIP gateway functionality.
- The new CN 3920 Service Delivery Switch, a low-cost business service delivery switch with advanced features that include a high-capacity switching fabric with all GbE ports -- four 100/1000 Mbps optical and eight 10/100/1000 Mbps copper -- in a compact single rack unit ETSI form factor that provides front access to power and all network and management interfaces.
- Ciena's service-aware operating system serves as the common software intelligence shared across all Ciena Service Delivery Switches and Service Aggregation Switches for consistent system and service attributes. This latest version has been upgraded with new Ethernet control and management plane protocols, Ethernet encapsulation techniques and Carrier Ethernet Operations, Administration, and Maintenance mechanisms, all of which enhance its fault and performance management, virtual switching, SLA verification and quality of service capabilities.
http://www.ciena.com
07-Oct-08
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