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March 20, 2004
Alcatel simplifies migration to MPLS core

NEW DELHI -- Alcatel recently announced that it has expanded its market-leading cross connect and multi-service provisioning platform (MSPP) portfolio with the Alcatel 1678 Metro Core Connect (MCC), an innovative transport solution for metro and core applications in ETSI markets.

The Alcatel 1678 MCC simplifies networks by integrating add/drop multiplexer (ADM), broadband and wideband cross-connect, and multi-protocol label switching (MPLS) functionality into a single node with a full generalised MPLS (GMPLS) control plane. Consequently, service providers can reduce capex by as much as 40 percent. They do so by decreasing the number of network elements required in the central office, while boosting network efficiency and enabling new data services.

The Alcatel 1678 MCC minimises the level of complexity in the central office by combining the functions of multiple network elements required to satisfy different applications. It offers a flexible and cost-efficient solution to fixed and mobile operators, as well as ISPs, who want to aggregate and consolidate multi-protocol traffic streams from the metro toward the core. By integrating MPLS, different data packets, such as Ethernet and IP traffic, with the same destination, they can be aggregated and sent across a single connection to improve overall network performance.

The 1678 MCC's unique combination of scalability up to 5Tbps, unmatched density of 640Gbps per shelf, and a small footprint enables service providers to allocate capacity according to their customers' demands for broadband, wideband, and data access. The solution leverages standardised GMPLS signaling for dynamic service provisioning, meshed restoration, and interoperability for a future-proof infrastructure. It is managed by the Alcatel 1350 management suite that provides a modular set of industry proven tools enabling efficient service delivery using point-and-click capabilities.

Patrick Matthews, senior analyst, Yankee Group, said: "As network traffic expands from MANs to WANs, service providers will need to evolve edge/core infrastructure to accommodate this growth, while focusing on reducing operating and capital expenses through network simplification. Alcatel's strategy to collapse metro core network functions such as cross connect and ADM onto one platform with MPLS capabilities addresses this challenge. Alcatel is offering service providers the ability to grow and direct their service portfolio by taking advantage of modular architecture for anticipated growth, when and where they need it."

Romano Valussi, president, optical networking activities, Alcatel, added: "With the introduction of the 1678 MCC, Alcatel is leveraging its industry- the leading position in cross-connects and MSPPs to enable customers to operate a single network with secure, seamless connectivity, while maximising operational efficiency and reducing capital expenses. The Alcatel 1678 MCC's ability to combine traditional transport functionality and MPLS into one node makes it a unique and compelling platform as data and transport worlds move closer together."

Contact:
Alcatel
www.alcatel.com





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