Alcatel introduces transport switch to ease service provider migration to converged MPLS core
March 2, 2004 Paris--Alcatel has expanded its crossconnect and multi-service provisioning platform (MSPP) portfolio with the 1678 Metro Core Connect (MCC), a transport solution for metro and core applications in ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute) markets. The 1678 MCC simplifies networks by integrating add/drop multiplexer (ADM), broadband and wideband crossconnect, and multi-protocol label switching (MPLS) functionality into a single node with a full generalized MPLS (GMPLS) control plane. As a result, service providers can reduce capital expenditures as much as 40% by decreasing the number of network elements required in the central office (or main exchange) while boosting network efficiency and enabling new data services.
The 1678 MCC minimizes the level of complexity in the central office by combining the functions of multiple network elements historically required to satisfy different applications. It offers a flexible and cost-efficient solution to fixed and mobile operators, as well as Internet service providers, who want to aggregate and consolidate multi-protocol traffic streams from the metro towards the core. By integrating MPLS, different data packets, such as Ethernet and IP traffic, with the same destination can be aggregated and sent across a single connection to improve overall network performance.
The 1678 MCC's unique combination of scalability up to 5 Tbits/sec, unmatched density of 640 Gbits/sec per shelf, and small footprint enables service providers to allocate capacity according to their customers' demands for broadband, wideband and data access. The 1678 MCC also leverages standardized GMPLS signaling for dynamic service provisioning, meshed restoration, and interoperability for a future-proof infrastructure.
"As network traffic expands from metro area networks to wide area networks, service providers will need to evolve their edge/core infrastructure to accommodate this growth while continuing to focus on reducing operating and capital expenses through network simplification," said Patrick Matthews, senior analyst, Yankee Group. "Alcatel's strategy to collapse metro core network functions such as crossconnect and ADM onto one platform with MPLS capabilities addresses this challenge. Alcatel is offering service providers the ability to grow and direct their service portfolio by taking advantage of modular architecture for anticipated growth when and where they need it."
"With the introduction of the 1678 MCC, Alcatel is leveraging its industry-leading position in cross-connects and MSPPs to enable our customers to operate a single network with secure, seamless connectivity, while maximizing operational efficiency and reducing capital expenses," said Romano Valussi, president of Alcatel's optical networking activities. "The Alcatel 1678 MCC's ability to combine traditional transport functionality and MPLS into one node makes it a unique and compelling platform as data and transport worlds move closer together."
The 1678 MCC is managed by the Alcatel 1350 management suite which provides a modular set of industry proven tools that enable efficient service delivery for service providers using point and click capabilities.