JANUARY 15, 2007 -- Siemens Networks (search for Siemens) today announced that it has been selected as one of two suppliers by BT (search for BT) to supply carrier-class Ethernet network equipment as part of BT's 21st Century Network programme (search for 21CN). Nortel was named the other supplier (see "Nortel wins role in BT's 21 Century Network.")
BT will deploy Siemens SURPASS hiD Ethernet carrier-class switches, element management, system integration, and support services as part of an end-to-end carrier Ethernet implementation in the metro, core and edge domains of the new network.
Inherent within the Siemens SURPASS hiD 66xx platforms will be PBB-TE (Provider Backbone Bridging Traffic Engineering) technology, currently being ratified within the IEEE. This enables Ethernet technology to be applied to large-scale carrier networks, allowing operators to realize reductions in deployment and operational costs. According to Siemens representatives, PBB-TE has shown itself to be a highly cost-effective transport technology for Ethernet-based communications networks, and one that can evolve to provide the necessary manageability and scalability for the core domains of carrier networks.
"We have been anticipating the widespread deployment of Ethernet in our 21CN architecture for a while but have been waiting for development to help make the technology viable for deployment in carrier-grade networks," explains Matt Beal, director for 21CN at BT Wholesale. "The implementation of Ethernet also complements fully BT's well established MPLS strategy within 21CN," he notes.
"Carrier Ethernet is at the heart of our strategy and promises huge growth," adds Christian Unterberger, president of Fixed Networks at Siemens. "Carriers across the world are reassessing their technology and service roadmaps and seeking solutions that drive down cost, improve service, increase capability, and reduce time to market for new, next-generation services. We look forward to working with BT in the coming months to continue our excellent working relationship and track record in the 21CN implementation," he adds.
The SURPASS Carrier Ethernet portfolio includes end-to-end Carrier Ethernet equipment ideally suited for triple play, business services, and network convergence, say Siemens representatives. SURPASS Carrier Ethernet takes advantage of Ethernet's low cost of ownership while providing carrier-grade reliability, scalability, ease-of-use, administration, and end-to-end management with its Advanced Ethernet Package (AEP).
Many carriers worldwide, including Deutsche Telekom, Telecom Italia, Finnet, Svyaz Invest, Actel, and Tidewater Telcom already use Siemens SURPASS Carrier Ethernet, claims the company.
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