Lucent's Multimedia Access Platform supports integrated FTTX, WiMAX, DSL services

October 19, 2005 Murray Hill, NJ -- Lucent Technologies today introduced its Multimedia Access Platform, an Internet Protocol (IP)-based platform that enables service provider delivery of high-bandwidth video/IPTV, Voice over IP (VoIP), and multimedia services on a mass market scale. The company says the platform, based on the Advanced Telecommunications Computing Architecture (AdvancedTCA) standard, is designed to support DSL, FTTX, and WiMAX wireless broadband services in a single frame, helping service providers deliver interactive IP multimedia applications over a wide variety of networks.

The company says the platform complements its IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) platform and its current broadband access portfolio by offering an all-IP access infrastructure that can leverage the service control, provisioning, and quality of service (QoS)-assurance capabilities of the IMS architecture. According to the company, this makes it easier for service providers to introduce multimedia or "blended lifestyle" services that combine voice, video, and data capabilities, and deliver them to consumers with end-to-end QoS.

"Service providers are well-positioned to go beyond simple IPTV to offer new, ground-breaking multimedia services to consumers. We're rapidly turning consumer TVs into true multimedia terminals, combining video with interactive applications such as Web browsing, video conferencing, and personal, portable TV services," says Rob Piconi, vice president and general manager for Lucent's Broadband Solutions business unit. "The Lucent Multimedia Access Platform makes this possible by supporting broadband services over copper, fiber, and wireless, delivered with the quality of service that consumers expect from traditional telecom services, all in a platform that can be expanded to meet the needs of the largest, most demanding service providers."

According to the company, the platform will enable operators to support a range of access methods including ADSL2+, VDSL2, IEEE 802.3ah Ethernet passive optical networking (EPON), ITU G.984.x Gigabit Ethernet PON (GPON) at varying upstream and downstream line rates, and point-to-point Ethernet and WiMAX capabilities (based on the IEEE's 802.16e standard). The company says the platform's array of interfaces gives operators the flexibility to deploy services in the most practical and cost-effective method for any given market. The platform offers up to 10 Gbits per slot on the backplane, as well as a suite of Layer 2, Layer 3, and advanced packet processing capabilities designed to address operators' evolving requirements. Also, built-in hardware support for IPv6 is included for future IP network evolution, says the company.

The integration of the platform with Lucent's IMS solution provides a variety of other compelling benefits to operators as well. For instance, Lucent's IMS solution can help ensure that new multimedia service offerings can be delivered with a consistent look and feel regardless of the access method being used. It also provides a variety of end-user benefits, supporting the seamless portability of services between wireline and wireless networks, offering a single sign-on capability for all services, providing a common contact list for all services, and the ability to customize and optimize each service based on the method of access being used at any given time.

Leveraging the AdvancedTCA standard and incorporating an open, Linux-based software foundation, the platform supports full integration with the company's IMS platform. The platform's blade architecture is designed to enable easy integration of additional capabilities or expanded capacity by adding new cards. The physical design of the chassis allows for high port densities per card. According to Lucent, because the platform is designed using open, standards-based hardware and software, service providers can also work with the company and third-party application developers, manufacturers, and suppliers to create and modify applications and features to further distinguish service offerings.

According to the company, the platform also takes advantage of Bell Labs' patented SmartPON module design, which enables operators to support both GPON and EPON standards on the same platform, and can be modified to address changes in the standards, new service requirements, different upstream and downstream line rates up to 2.4 Gbit/sec (symmetric), and multi-vendor interoperability challenges. The platform also incorporates patented Bell Labs-developed algorithms and software technologies designed to address operators' QoS, security, and reliability requirements.

Lucent says the Multimedia Access Platform integrates key features and functionality of the company's existing Stinger DSLAM and the VoIP features of its AnyMedia IP Line Access Gateway. The platform is compatible with, and designed to complement, both systems, and can work in conjunction with established networks to provide operators with more advanced features and functionality, says the company.

The Multimedia Access Platform can be deployed in large- and small-scale Central Office, remote, or greenfield configurations. According to Lucent, the platform will be available for customer trials in the first half of calendar year 2006, with a broader introduction in mid 2006.