30 January 2003 -- Marconi has launched a Gigabit Ethernet card for its Access Hub platform providing operators with enhanced IP connectivity and the ability to offer enterprises VPN services across DSL.
The enhanced IP and new VPN capabilities give operators greater flexibility in their service provision, especially for bandwidth-hungry applications such as video or home-office working, while improving the cost effectiveness of their backbone network.
By introducing a Gigabit Ethernet card into its last-mile Access Hub platform, Marconi says it is allowing operators to extend VPN services to small offices or teleworkers with DSL connections, eliminating the need for more expensive leased lines. VPNs are private networks run across public infrastructure, typically sharing bandwidth in the optical core and connecting premises with leased lines.
"Bringing GigE into the last mile opens up new revenue streams for network operators while providing end-users with broadband connection they could previously only find in main offices," said Martin Harriman, chief marketing officer, Marconi.
"With DSL availability spreading throughout Europe, people now have the flexibility to choose where they work and will not have to suffer from poor connectivity when at home or at remote offices."
Access Hub's GigE card can enable operators to make more effective use of the growing IP capability of their backbone network and offer a range of business and entertainment services. It combines GigE feeder options with the IP handling functionality of the Access Hub IP Service Engine.
GigE is one of a range new features recently announced for Marconi's Access Hub. To date, a range of leading network operators, including Telecom Italia, Telkom South Africa and France's LDCom have integrated the platform into their access networks.
"GigE over the Access Hub is a further demonstration of the flexibility of our flagship access platform," said Martin Harriman. "Combined with new video and voice over DSL capabilities, it proves that Access Hub's modular design will protect customer investment and continue to enhance the services and bandwidth offered in the metro network."
Marconi's Access Hub combines the functionality of DSLAMs along with the ability to aggregate all traffic types with one of the industry's highest port densities. With a 32-line xDSL line card, the Access Hub family supports up to 576 xDSL lines in a single shelf and can also act as a wireless or fibre aggregation point, supporting a wide range of distributes DSL topologies. The Access Hub supports up to 40Gbit/s of bandwidth on the backplane.