7 February 2003 -- European telecom operator Connex has deployed three Nortel Networks' Passport 20000 Multiservice Switches to build a high-capacity backbone network that can support second-generation (2G) wireless traffic while enabling a smooth migration to a third-generation (3G) packetised infrastructure. It represents the first live European deployment of Passport 20000, and enables low-cost transport of converged voice and data traffic across one, cost-effective network.
"The innovative convergence solutions delivered by Nortel Networks will position Connex to evolve to a next-generation network that will support voice over packet and wireless data, driving reduced overall operational expenditures," said Connex's chief technical officer Vishant Vora. "Connex has increased network capacity and improved its ability to offer new data services like IP virtual private networks (VPNs)¿Integrating Passport 20000 into our existing Passport network accelerated deployment time and provided investment protection for future expansion."
Engineered to scale to 160Gbit/s, Passport 20000 is designed to address the challenge of cost-effectively scaling and converging disparate networks. It complements other Passport multi-service switches, including Passport 7000 and 15000, to address network requirements from the edge to the core. Also, multi-service flexibility enables migration of ATM networks toward IP/MPLS.
Nortel Networks has previously deployed Succession softswitches and gateways and Passport 15000 Multiservice Switches for Connex.
Connex is the registered trademark of MobiFon S.A., which launched the first GSM network in Romania in 1997, and is leads the mobile communications market in Romania, with 2.5 million GSM customers in November 2002. Connex offers roaming services in 95 countries/areas, through 224 operators. The main shareholders are Telesystem International Wireless (TIW) and Vodafone.