Sourcecom product to merge
multiplexing, switching functions
Sourcecom Corp. is crowding its way into the access-platform
market with a new product that combines multiplexing with
networking functions, such as switching and routing.
Such access devices typically sit on the edge of a carrier
network. But the Sourcecom Banc 9000 does more than
concentrate transmission technologies such as T1, digital
subscriber line (xDSL), cable modems and wireless. It also
incorporates interfaces for services such as LAN interconnect,
Internet access and managed IP services, the vendor said.
The product is intended to compete with the Max TNT access
switch from Ascend Communications Inc., the Cisco Systems
Inc.'s 7513 backbone router and Cascade Communications
Corp.'s 9000 frame-relay platform, Sourcecom officials said.
Some of the combined functionality of the Banc 9000 was
envisioned in the DSL access multiplexer (DSLAM) products
that Sourcecom and others introduced last year.
"The Banc 9000 is a superset of DSLAM capabilities, with
networking and transmission integrated on a single platform,"
said Mike Zeile, director of product marketing at Sourcecom.
"The emphasis {with products such as DSLAMs} has been on
who has the fastest modems to connect to high-speed pipes.
But carriers also need services like bridging and routing."
The Banc 9000 subsumes any routers, bridges, digital service
units or cable modem equipment needed at the carrier's local
facility. This, in turn, is projected to lower maintenance costs
and makes it easier and cheaper to deploy new services such
as xDSL.
"The product fills one major hole that most of the DSL players
aren't addressing well, which is scalability," said Ray
Keneipp, a principal at Decisys Inc., a Sterling, Va.-based
consulting company.
The Banc 9000 has five shelves, each with 16 separate
400-megabit-per-second slots and two 800-Mbps slots, for 8
gigabits of throughput per shelf, or 40 Gbps for the unit, Zeile
explained.
Preliminary pricing has been set at $500 to $800 per port,
depending on configuration.
Terry Sweney is a department editor at
CommunicationsWeek. E-mail your reactions to
telepath@cmp.com.
Copyright 1997 CMP Media Inc.
North America,United States of America
CommunicationsWeek
Author: Terry Sweeney
June 02, 1997 |
