Convergence Plus Journal

ISRAEL -- Lightscape Networks, an ECI Telecom Co. reflects more than a decade of optical networking experience, providing customers worldwide with on-demand, next-generation intelligent optical networking solutions for metro and regional environments. It was spun-off from ECI Telecom as a separately managed and operated entity in January 2001.

The firm's product line includes the flagship XDM family of multiservice, high-density optical network platforms; the BroadGate family of integrated access solutions that carry voice and data over optical fiber, down to customers' premises; the Syncom family of multiplexing products providing versatile solutions for fast growing SDH-based transport networks; and a full suite of management solutions. Here, Ido Gur, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, talks exclusively to Convergence Plus, about the current trends in NGNs, MPLS and optical networking. Excerpts from an interview:

Convergence Plus: Can you tell us about your multiple technology optical solution that converges pure optics, next-generation SDH/SONET, and Gigabit Ethernet in a single platform? What are its advantages?

Ido Gur: Lightscape networks' optical division offers a hybrid optical solution, integrating SDH/SONET with ATM, Ethernet and DWDM on a single platform. This single architecture approach combines the advantages of MSPP technology with metro DWDM systems, offering end-to-end optical transmission solutions for metro and regional applications on a single architecture.

Our solutions support traditional TDM services such as E1, DS3 and SDH, emerging data services such as Fast Ethernet and GbE with L2 switching and full scape managed wavelength services such as ESCON, FICON and others over the same platform. Our approach offers new sources of revenues by adding new classes of services to the existing portfolio with overall much lower operational costs.

CP: Can SDH go IP? If yes, please elaborate.

IG: Yes. SDH is an excellent transmission technology for core IP pipes. It provides protection, manageability, scalability and easy integration of voice and IP over the same infrastructure. In this sense, SDH will continue to dominate the transmission market providing the only effective solution for integrated voice and data networks.

CP: MPLS will factor heavily in most newly built IP networks. Do you see MPLS coming in incumbent Frame Relay and ATM networks? Many incumbents plan to use parallel networks--MPLS and ATM?

IG: We think that MPLS networks would exist in parallel with ATM/FR networks. ATM/FR is a mature technology with relatively low cost (especially FR). It would be easier to extend the FR/ATM networks using the current structure, and use MPLS for IP and Ethernet.

CP: What are the key issues and present market trends in the carrier market?

IG: As with the telecom market today, cost and cost reduction are key issues. Competition and demand for data services, especially the Internet access, are key drivers. Advanced platforms such as the one offered by Lightscape hold the potential for generating new revenues for carriers and at the same time lower operational expenditures. This is achieved by offering new services on one hand and automating and simplifying systems on the other hand.

CP: Probe Research recently pointed out that long haul optical has a long haul ahead. In fact, long haul spending is in major decline worldwide. What do you have to say regarding that?

IG: Although the long-term trend appears to be a decline in the long haul (especially, the ultra long haul) market, we still see opportunities for cost effective solutions for regional/long haul applications. Using the same platform, line cards and management system, we can provide an integrated solution to carriers for metro/regional and long haul applications up to 1,500km.

CP: Most spending in the near future for optical platform is likely to happen in metro, which consists 2/3rds of the optical spending. However, operators will go for cost effective, better performance products. How will you fare in such a situation?

IG: Our products are optimised for the metro/regional market. Our portfolio offers end-to-end metro solutions with an extension to regional applications, covering customer located equipment (CLE), access platform, as well as edge and core platforms -- all managed as one network, with one network management system. This offers infinite opportunities for customers. Whereas, some customers start by implementing access solutions growing to the core, others prefer to implement core solutions and migrate to the access layers. Some customers build dedicated networks for their specific needs and use the same platforms for various applications such as SDH networking, metro DWDM networks and GbE transport solutions. By implementing all of these solutions with a single family of products, customers benefit from simple network operation and are capable of managing with shorter and more professional staff.

Ido Gur, Vice President, Sales and Marketing.

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