Tellabs adds IP/MPLS edge platform to data systems portfolio
30 September 2003 London Lightwave--Tellabs today announced the Tellabs 8600 managed edge system, an IP/MPLS based platform designed to allow service providers to offer high-speed connectivity services and applications more cost effectively to customers. The first network deployments of the new system will begin in the first half of 2004.
The 8600 system enhances Tellabs' international data solutions portfolio and, along with the Tellabs 8800 multi-service switch router (MSSR) from the recently acquired Tellabs San Jose organization, makes Tellabs the first vendor to offer complete data solutions that integrate Layer 1 (transport), Layer 2 (switching) and Layer 3 (routing) capabilities, according to the company. This unique approach enables each service provider to migrate at its own pace to next-generation data networks.
"With the addition of the new platform, Tellabs has products that offer service providers opportunities to increase revenue per user across both the consumer and enterprise space," said Chris Lewis, vice president, Europe, of the Yankee Group. "We expect to see a steady, long term migration to MPLS infrastructure, with a hybrid environment dominating for the next five years, and Tellabs' strategy of having a broad portfolio of carrier-class solutions plays well in this hybrid environment." The Yankee Group predicts that the edge switch/router market in which the Tellabs 8600 system competes will grow to $3 billion in 2005.
The Tellabs 8600 managed edge system combines IP/MPLS routing hardware with an integrated management system specifically designed for the service provider. It is a carrier-class medium capacity (42-Gbit/sec) platform that extends IP/MPLS from the edge of the core network to the local exchange or even to the customer premises.
Service providers can use the Tellabs 8600 system to implement MPLS virtual private networks and Ethernet over MPLS, delivering application-aware services such as intranet interconnectivity, extranet, business Internet access and corporate voice with true quality of service (QoS) to their customers. It can also be used as a network infrastructure for aggregating the broadband traffic from consumers and small-office home-office (SoHo) users. Because it is modular and can scale on densities and entry costs, the Tellabs 8600 system enables service providers to introduce IP/MPLS at their own pace. The new product has been developed at Tellabs' research and development facility in Finland.
An integrated network management system, developed from the Tellabs 8100 managed access system, provides service providers with the GUI-based point-and-click service provisioning and management traditionally associated with TDM operations. It has tools for activities including network building, element management, service provisioning, service testing and monitoring, which enable a service provider to streamline the service delivery process significantly.
Tellabs has developed a portfolio of products that enable service providers to deliver profitable data services now and in the future by optimizing their current networks, leveraging and revitalizing their infrastructure and enabling new growth. As well as aggregating traffic for all packet- and cell-based services from all end user segments into a single converged IP/MPLS core, Tellabs provides full support for TDM leased lines, Ethernet private lines and service provisioning over a legacy ATM network. To tie all the products together Tellabs offers comprehensive management solutions to enable service providers to optimize their operational efficiency.
The data solutions portfolio comprises:
• A hybrid Ethernet over TDM and Ethernet over SDH solution (Tellabs 6300 managed transport system and Tellabs 8100 managed access system) and a standalone Ethernet over SDH/Ethernet over MPLS solution (Tellabs 6300 system) enabling operators to optimize their existing networks and leverage their SDH infrastructure to handle a data-centric traffic mix and providing an optimal access and regional solution for delivering MPLS services with true end-to-end QoS;
• An multiservice switch solution, enabling operators to leverage existing ATM and frame relay services when generating revenue with their new MPLS infrastructure (Tellabs 8800 multi-service switch routers); and
• An MPLS solution, which enables operators to achieve new growth with Ethernet and IP centric service and the associated value-added service offerings (Tellabs 8600 and Tellabs 8800 systems).