Bay Networks Unveils SS7 Strategy for Consolidation of Voice and Data Networks
SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 17, 1998--
-- Company introduces industry's first open Access Signaling
Protocol; will deliver scaleable SS7 solutions supporting
a full range of carrier requirements (ILEC, PTT, CLEC) --
Bay Networks, Inc. (NYSE:BAY) today unveils its strategy for leveraging the Signaling System No. 7 (SS7) protocol to enable integrated voice and data networking in service provider networks worldwide.
Bay Networks' support of SS7 will give service providers the ability to integrate voice switches and Versalar(TM) Remote Access Concentrators (RACs) to customize their remote access offerings and leverage their existing voice and signaling facilities. For the RBOC and LEC that will mean Internet Offload services located across multiple POPs freeing upstream circuits for real revenue producing voice traffic. The IXC could develop "Mega-POPs" - high density POPs that aggregate dial data traffic over standard telco trunks. Connecting Versalar RACs with SS7 eliminates the need for PRI upgrades utilizing channelized T1 trunks that are commonly available in the voice system architectures. Once SS7 is controlling Dial Access, voice services currently available in the Intelligent Network can be applied to remote access creating opportunities for consolidation and economies of scale for Telecomm providers.
Bay Networks' SS7 strategy will call for the creation of an SS7 Gateway to provide a signaling interface between Versalar Remote Access Concentrators and Class 4 and 5 voice switches. The signaling gateway will be developed to support an open Access Signaling Protocol (ASP) to transport commands across the Ethernet networks to the Versalar RACs, and will scale to individual ILEC and CLEC requirements.
The Bay Networks' SS7 Gateway solution, available during the Summer of '98 for trials, will initially be supported on the Sun platform with support for multiple platforms, including NT, to follow. The SS7 Gateway platform will deliver an open Application Optimized Network in which SS7 and Network APIs will be supported to enable further development of advanced multivendor applications and services. It also is capable of supporting policy integration for advanced IP services features including Radius, LDAP and Service Level Agreements (SLAs), which Bay will be offering in future phases. The Bay Networks' Gateway is expected to be certified in 80 countries and support multiple variants of the SS7 protocol.
"Bay Networks' Access Signaling Protocol is an important industry initiative that will enable service providers to integrate voice and data networks using SS7," explained Ray Keneipp, analyst at Current Analysis. "This integration will help network service providers reduce costs while maximizing revenues with new intelligent IP services like V/FoIP, VPN and dial access outsourcing."
Bay Networks' SS7 support will help carriers increase their network efficiency by redirecting data traffic off of the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). In addition, SS7 signaling between Versalar RACs and telco voice switches will expand the number of revenue-driving services a carrier can offer. SS7 signaling intelligence, combined with additional intelligence built into the Versalar platform, can effectively transform ports on Versalar RACs into Intelligent Access Ports that are capable of terminating multiple IP services and transports.
"When SS7 support is combined with our industry-leading Versalar Remote Access Concentrators, carriers can now cost effectively offer new services such as Internet wholesaling, Voice/Fax over IP, Virtual Private Networks and more," said Bob Dalias, director of product management at Bay Networks. "Bay's commitment to industry standard SS7 signaling means that service providers can deploy our leading data solutions while retaining the voice infrastructures they have invested in for the past 20 years. It is further proof of our commitment to carrier-class remote access."
Bay Networks' SS7 strategy addresses the key issues and opportunities available to Telephony Carriers related to remote access and value-added IP services. These include the long hold times for the terminating voice switch associated with Internet access, cost for PRI upgrades needed for ISPs, missed Internet revenue opportunities and the need for new value-added service offerings. Perhaps even more compelling is the cost saving opportunities associated with peer connectivity to the Voice TDM network. The Telecommunications Act of 1996 has created a competitive marketplace for Local Exchange Carriers allowing for new competitive models that will increase the potential market for this solution.
This technology is especially powerful when coupled with other active Bay Networks initiatives. These include the IP Services cornerstone, Voice over IP and the Carrier Class focus of the Versalar product line. Extended voice circuits through VPN's, with Progressive Traffic Management (QoS) enabled, leads to a variety of Service Level offerings for the Provider to sell to an Enterprise.
The Access Signaling Protocol being defined by Bay Networks is an open protocol that will enable Bay to work with multiple partners to rapidly deliver a variety of solutions for this high growth market. The resulting SS7 gateway will also allow other types of applications to leverage the same Platform (Voice Response, Voice Mail, Fax servers, RADIUS etc.) to be used in the SS7 node. This versatility makes the gateway more attractive and economical for smaller CLECs and independent telcos. |
