Sycamore Networks to enter radio access network market

JULY 14, 2010 By Stephen Hardy -- Sycamore Networks (NASDAQ: SCMR), best known for its optical switches, will expand its activities to the radio access network (RAN) space with a bandwidth-optimization product. Its upcoming IQstream leverages what Sycamore Networks calls “Adaptive Content Optimization” technology to enable carriers to accommodate large traffic spikes from emerging high-bandwidth mobile applications without adding capacity, say Sycamore Networks sources.

According to Kevin Oye, vice president of systems and technology, and Scott Hilton, vice president and general manager of broadband optimization solutions at Sycamore Networks, IQstream will consist of processor boxes located at Node B and RNC locations that will run the Adaptive Content Optimization software. IQstream is designed to operate with any RAN media, including fiber, copper, or microwave, without changing the existing network infrastructure. This includes maintaining transparency to 3GPP radio network protocols and operations.

Oye and Hilton were somewhat coy when describing during an interview with Lightwave how the Adaptive Content Optimization technology works. They did say that the technology represents a combination of bandwidth optimization “tools” that work at the content layers to create as much as a 90% capacity savings during peak usage periods without negative user impact. In fact, the Sycamore Networks executives say, IQstream will improve user experience by buffering them from the effects of capacity crunches.

IQstream will be generally available in the fourth quarter of this year, Oye and Hilton say. Meanwhile, the company has demonstrated the product and conducted lab trials with potential customers. Field trials are “in process,” they said.

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