September 17, 2002 - Cisco Systems announced the ONS 15600 multiservice switching platform at NFOEC in Dallas this week. The new metro switch is the latest addition to Cisco's complete optical multiservice edge and transport (COMET) product portfolio.

The ONS 15600 delivers multiple network elements in a single platform designed for deployment in a carrier's point of presence or large central office. The new metro switch combines the functionality of multiple metro systems, including SONET/SDH multiplexers and digital crossconnect network elements, together in one platform. The ONS 15600 is scheduled to be available in the fourth quarter.

"The multiservice switching platform [MSSP] offers significant cost advantage and increased efficiencies when compared to traditional SONET/SDH add/drop multiplexers and digital crossconnect systems," said Deb Mielke, principal, Trelliage Network Strategies. "The ONS 15600 MSSP addresses a need in part created through the success of the ONS 15454 MSPP. While it is optimized for the predominately TDM-based services and revenues of today's environment, it still provides carriers with a foundation to help them evolve to packet infrastructures in the future."

Optical enhancements were also announced this week for existing products in the COMET portfolio. The ONS 15454 includes data application support, which uses the protection channel access to accommodate increasing data transport demands. The ONS 15327 includes Gigabit Ethernet capability for increasing demand and higher bandwidth Ethernet-based services.

Enhancements to the Cisco transport manager include GUI circuit management and the addition of physical and digital signal links. Additional Cisco COMET news and information can be found at http://www.cisco.com/warp/public/779/servpro/solutions/optical/.