June 16, 2004 Dallas, TX--Alcatel announced the launch of a multiservice crossconnect that will enable service providers in North America to realize cost savings associated with reduced central office complexity and increased network infrastructure efficiencies.
The 1671 Service Connect enables the convergence of optical and data transport networks by delivering both traditional time division multiplex functionality and data aggregation capabilities in a single network element. This multiservice crossconnect is a new generation product enhancing performance in the core of service provider's networks, thereby bringing the ability to deliver better services to their customers.
"Managing service bandwidth for multiple overlay networks is extremely costly. Operators are constantly looking to maximize operational results today while preparing for increased traffic and management requirements of a more sophisticated communications network in the future," said Ron Kline, director, Optical Networks, at RHK. "Alcatel's 1671 Service Connect is aimed at giving service providers the ability to ensure greater efficiency now and longer-term value by enabling convergence of their voice and data networks in the future."
"As a leading supplier of cross-connects, Alcatel is proud to be the first supplier of multiservice cross connect technologies. The introduction of the 1671 SC represents the next step in the evolution of the future-proof transport network," said Steven Pickett, senior vice president and general manager of Alcatel's optical networking activities in North America. "This compact and scalable platform enables our customers to simplify network operation through the optimization of their existing network infrastructure, while positioning this infrastructure for the convergence of their voice and data operations."
As a multiservice crossconnect, the 1671 Service Connect provides the flexibility to address wideband, broadband, and narrowband requirements, while also allowing advanced data aggregation functionality. Optimized to provide high densities of optical interfaces, the 1671 Service Connect enables its advanced grooming functionality to be pushed closer to the edge of the network. In addition, the system features a fully redundant, physically diverse matrix, providing truly carrier-class redundancy and protection. The combination of these different capabilities into a single, highly dense, GMPLS-ready platform enables service provider to reduce their central office hardware requirements by up to 75%, ensure the most efficient use of their network infrastructure, and facilitate the convergence of their voice and data networks.