Israeli Defence Force completes upgrade and extension of communications network
4 December 2002 -- The Israeli Defence Force (IDF) has completed the final stages of a three-year, NIS100m (USD20-25m) project to build a comprehensive, large-scale SDH-based telecoms infrastructure.
The tender for SDH transmission equipment was awarded to ECI Telecom company Lightscape Networks, making it a main supplier.
The project involved enhancing IDF's original network. Its main objectives were to strengthen and extend communications services in IDF's camps and to ensure the fast deployment of a communications network. The project has now met the original deadlines, budget and technological targets.
Besides the provision of SDH telecoms equipment the IDF project included SDH radio, advanced synchronisation systems, management systems, an ATM data network and other unique systems.
The resulting network has already proven itself in operational testing several times during set up. Some areas of the network were up and running before the anticipated roll-out, delivering all the required services including voice, data and video to different regions.
The finished project includes the development and operation of an advanced management interface between Lightscape's management equipment and IDF's network management system. The integration of the two created a tailor-made solution that allows end-to-end control and allocation of resources from a single management station.
IDF now has an advanced communications infrastructure that can transmit broadband data with a flexibility that allows it to operate advanced applications of command and control systems, in real time.
Lightscape Networks says that the project will serve as a precursor to other projects that are now in various stages of planning or implementation.