Optics: Alcatel introduces a revolutionary cross-connect to build
international networks at record-setting costs
Single high-performance platform will support both wide-band and narrow-band
Dallas, December 19, 2000 - Alcatel (NYSE: ALA), world leader in intelligent optical networking,
announced today the introduction of the Alcatel 1630 GSX, Global Synchronous
Cross-Connect system. Based on an innovative matrix concept, this new cross-connect
supplements international communication networks with expanded intelligence and flexibility,
while optimizing network operating costs.
Designed to meet the requirements of network topologies based either on SDH (Synchronous
Digital Hierarchy) or SONET (Synchronous Optical NETworks) standards, the Alcatel GSX
supports both narrow-band and wide-band functionality from a single, powerful and
high-performance platform. With Alcatel's GSX, a global operator will use the exact same
network under the same network management system to seamlessly deliver a multimedia
payload from the U.S., starting as a standard US formatted T1 line but delivered as an ETSI
(European Telecommunications Standards Institute) formatted E1 line to any city in Europe,
Asia or Latin America.
The deployment of this leading-edge solution grants easy in-service upgrades from already
deployed systems and rapid equipment reconfiguration to accelerate the availability of
dynamic, multifunctional services to a wider market.
"In today's ever expanding networks, carriers require flexible solutions to cope with the
increasing demand for new value-added services ", said Miguel Garcia, vice president of
marketing for Alcatel's terrestrial networks activities in the US. "This cross-connect is a result
of Alcatel's continuous efforts to provide profitable opportunities, in particular to global
operators with investments in multiple technologies."
About Alcatel
Alcatel builds next generation networks, delivering integrated end-to-end voice and data
communications solutions to established and new carriers, as well as enterprises and
consumers worldwide. With 120,000 employees and sales of EURO 23 billion in 1999, Alcatel
operates in more than 130 countries.
Alcatel is the only vendor to master all optical network elements, from optical components,
optical fibers and DWDM systems to core routers and network intelligence, and from terrestrial
to submarine solutions. Alcatel is also the only company to provide both terrestrial and marine
services for the installation and maintenance of global, seamless optical networks.
According to RHK's 2000 study, Alcatel holds the number two position in global optical
transport market with 20% market share, distancing itself from all other competitors. RHK also
reported that Alcatel reaffirms its number one position in submarine networks with 41%
worldwide market share. Moreover, Alcatel claims to be the world leader in total terrestrial and
submarine DWDM systems, in digital cross-connects, which contain the enabling technology
for operators to offer high bandwidth services, and in SDH networks. Alcatel's optics
business comprises terrestrial and submarine transmission systems, fiber optics and optical
components. Alcatel has launched a new class of Alcatel stock which is intended to track the
performance of Alcatel Optronics, the Company's optical component business.
Contact press@www.alcatel.com |
