Alcatel brings Internet Protocol and intelligent optical networks together
ODSI protocol test confirms Alcatel's leadership in intelligent optical networking
Paris, France - December 19, 2000 - Alcatel, world leader in intelligent optical networking,
announced the successful completion of the interoperability test organized in San Jose -
California - by the Optical Domain Service Interconnect (ODSI), a multiparty initiative comprising
service providers and networking vendors. The test has validated the practical utilization of the
ODSI protocol, which enables service providers to lay the Internet Protocol (IP) over the optical
network architecture directly and light up optical connections faster and automatically, while
reducing the network operating costs.
The ODSI protocol - expected to enter the market early 2001 - sets up an interface to an optical
network, whereby routers, SONET/SDH multiplexers and ATM switches can dynamically
request bandwidth provisioning from the optical network. This feature is fully applicable to the
operators' optical large installed base, thus saving their previous investments.
Being the only vendor able to show a plug and play solution for intelligent optical networks,
Alcatel has made available - for the testing session - a complete product portfolio comprising a
DWDM add/drop multiplexer, a SONET add/drop multiplexer, a multi-terabit IP Router, and a
network management solution to manage efficiently all the systems supplied. Alcatel equipment
was deployed to verify the ODSI protocol multi-vendor interoperability on an optical switch
connected to routers of different vendors.
This first and innovative test has given rise to great interest among the service providers
present at the demonstration - including France Telecom, GTS and Swisscom - who appreciate
the pragmatic ODSI approach for defining a smooth evolution for the introduction of optics into
carrier networks. This solution promises to impart significant benefits to operators and service
providers, as it guarantees a rapid and accurate deployment of new advanced services, while
enhancing the relevant Quality of Service (QoS). Furthermore, its capability of providing
automated light-path provisioning will boost bandwidth efficiency.
"We are proud to be part of this exciting challenge and to contribute to
advanced technological innovation", stated Bernard Le Mouel, Chief Technology Officer of
Alcatel's Optics Group. "This breakthrough technology enables carriers to
accommodate more bandwidth-hungry services in an increasingly efficient and
cost-effective network, while protecting the investments in existing infrastructures
"
This revolutionary approach is setting another benchmark in the commitment made by Alcatel to
continuously find valuable ways to build forefront standards in the domain of IP and intelligent
optical networking. Alcatel is pursuing its participation in standardization bodies - such as
Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), Optical Internetworking Forum (OIF), ITU-T and ANSI
T1X1- to stimulate the rapid development of new applications, based on cutting-edge
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.
For more information, please visit Alcatel's Web site at www.alcatel.com
About the DWDM add/drop multiplexer supplied by Alcatel
The Alcatel 1686 Wavelength Multiplexer (1686 WM) is a state-of-the-art 32-channel DWDM
system - upgradeable to 64 channels working at different bit rates up to 10 Gbps - specially
designed for regional and metropolitan applications. The Alcatel 1686 WM is ideal to build Optical
Terminal Multiplexer for point-to-point and Optical Add/Drop Multiplexer for
multi-point-to-multi-point regional and metro networks, satisfying the fast growing demand of
operators for higher and flexible bandwidth.
About the SONET add/drop multiplexer supplied by Alcatel
The Alcatel 1603 SMX is a high-density SONET NE (Network Element) that provides unparalleled
interface flexibility, reliability, and interoperability. Designed for carriers requiring high density
drop rates from DS1 to Gigabit Ethernet and with high speed line rates up to OC-192, the Alcatel
1603 SMX brings a low cost high-density optical system to the metro access market.
About the multi-terabit IP Router supplied by Alcatel
The Alcatel 7770 Routing Core Platform (RCP) is a multi-terabit IP core router engineered to meet
stringent carrier-class requirements. The 7770 RCP enables service providers to deliver
differentiated IP services by guaranteeing network performance, a feature critical to the future
of wide area networking. The RCP integrates IP routing with optical transport and provides the
basic ingredients for multi-layer restoration, thus providing the architecture Internet service
providers need to grow their networks into the next generation.
About the network management system supplied by Alcatel
Based on the Alcatel Management Platform (ALMAP), the Alcatel 1353 SH is a multi-technology
(SDH, DWDM, submarine, Radio, Ip and ATM integrated in SDH) element manager. It provides
dynamic allocation of end-to-end services and fully automated OAM&P (Operation,
Administration, Maintenance & Provisioning) features to guarantee the required QoS.
Contact press@www.alcatel.com |
