Sonera chooses Cisco for next-gen Ethernet-over-fibre broadband access network in Helsinki
1 October 2002 -- Finnish service provider Sonera is deploying a combination of Cisco Catalyst 2950 switches and metropolitan optical fibre in the basement of apartment blocks and Points of Presence (PoPs) to provide next-generation Ethernet-based broadband local area network access.
Initially, 15,000 existing residential customers in the apartments of the Helsinki Area Student Villages (HOAS) will be able to receive high-speed Internet access via 10/100 Ethernet ports so that each user has an initial reserved capacity of 256kbit/s.
Subscribers will be able to access the service using a simple Ethernet socket in the apartment together with a network card, which will eliminate the need for a modem.
"The combination of Ethernet, optical fiber and IP provides Sonera with a solid foundation for future offering of services such as voice over IP and video on demand down the line," said director Jari Hakalin.
Sonera will take advantage of its existing investment in optical fibre, together with existing category 5 in-building cabling.
"Many European providers are recognising that the next-generation Ethernet broadband model now makes rolling out advanced broadband services to consumers and businesses a viable prospect," said Mark de Simone, VP technology & solutions marketing for Cisco in EMEA.