Hey, the George Gilder on ASND. I'd love critique of his critique...
(via Gilder thread)
[Note: I thought ASND was very involved in promoting MPLS.]
Talk : Misc (Tech) : George Gilder - Forbes ASAP
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To: Scott Carr (620 )
From: George Gilder
Monday, Jul 27 1998 2:49PM ET
Reply # of 630
This seems like a big step forward for Ascend, obviating the SONET layer, which originated for the transmission of multiple 64Kb voice channels. However, it would be better if it obviated ATM as well. I like the Level 3 target better: IP on lamda. That's the holy grail of the dumb cheap broadband network. The need for the ATM layer is being eliminated by the MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching) standard being promoted by Juniper and others, which gives IP the level 2 speed advantages currently offered only through ATM. The Ascend window, however, remains open because of the continuing prevalence of ATM cells out there and the delay of MPLS until next year.
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Talk : Misc (Tech) : George Gilder - Forbes ASAP
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To: George Gilder (617 )
From: Scott Carr
Sunday, Jul 26 1998 10:17PM ET
Reply # of 630
Hi George!
What do think about Ascend? Can you comment on this release from from WMB and Ascend? Thanks in advance.
ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 8, 1998-- Delivering on the promise of the New Public Network (NPN), Ascend Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:ASND - news), today announced its strategy for expanding the reach of its multiservice core
switching technology to reconstruct legacy transmission networks. Service providers can
now eliminate the need for costly transmission equipment such as SONET/SDH
Add-Drop Multiplexers (ADMs) and Digital Cross-Connect Systems (DCSs), as they
build new network infrastructures optimized to carry data and other legacy TDM
services. Ascend is now working with service providers, including Williams
Communications, Inc. (NYSE:WMB - news) to test and deploy optical networking
solutions to connect it's GX 550 ''Smart'' Core ATM switch directly to Dense
Wavelength Division Multiplexing equipment (DWDM), without using traditional
SONET/SDH transmission equipment.
''Ascend's vision shows how IP, telephony, ATM, and DWDM will combine to create a
network that supports all of today's services and all of the new services that subscribers
will be demanding, while controlling infrastructure cost and complexity,'' said Tom
Nolle, president of CIMI Corp.
''With this announcement, Ascend is moving to take its place as a major infrastructure
vendor. The vision they've promoted is credible, and their customer experiences to date
validate both their credentials and their directions.''
Reaching Into the Transmission Network
With the exponential growth of data traffic -- particularly IP traffic -- service providers
are now building data switching networks that rival the speeds of the historic
transmission network.
Rather than using the traditional layered architecture approach of a switching network,
transmission network, and optical network, service providers can now leverage
advances in multiservice switching technology where the functionality of legacy
transmission equipment -- SONET/SDH ADMs and DCSs -- resides directly in the
switching network.
This integrated switching/transmission network provides the same services and
functionality of the traditional network architectures, but at a fraction of the cost.
Additionally, as a result of this simpler network architecture, overall network reliability is
increased due to fewer network devices that are deployed, operated, and managed.
''The Williams Network is a clear example of what the New Public Network will
become. Williams has been able to take advantage of new capabilities on data switching
equipment to build a network that does not require costly legacy transmission
equipment,'' said Frank Semple, president of Williams Networks. ''We share the same
vision as Ascend for providing all services from a single, simplified network
architecture.''
All Services Delivered From One Multiservice Network
The reconstruction of the public network enables a simplified network infrastructure, a
diminished amount of hardware equipment, and stronger management functions across
the network. This will help service providers and carrier customers lower operational
costs and increase the flexibility of networks.
Rather than having to provision services across multiple separate networks, service
providers can now quickly turn up new revenue-generating services.
Traditional transmission network functions such as multiplexing, grooming and
protection, are now provided on the switching network. Service providers can now use
the GX 550 ''Smart'' Core ATM switch for both data service delivery as well as the
underlying transmission network for IP, Frame Relay (FR), ATM, private line, and
voice services.
Capabilities necessary to provide ADM functionality in the switching network is now
available in the GX 550 switches. Complete DCS functionality in the GX 550 is
currently under development.
Optical Networking is Real Today
Ascend is working with service providers, including Williams Communications, Inc. to
test and deploy OC-48/STM-16 optical networking solutions. To meet the service
deployment needs of Williams, Ascend is currently conducting interoperability testing
and planning live field trials between the GX 550 and DWDM equipment from Pirelli
and CIENA.
Ascend and these DWDM vendors will continue development to deliver joint protection
schemes and integrated network management to further reduce service provider
network costs.
Poised For Leadership At The Network Core
Reinforcing Ascend's leadership at the core of service provider networks around the
world, this strategic direction leverages Ascend's multiservice core technology to deliver
all services -- IP, FR, ATM, private line, and voice -- from one network.
''This strategy exemplifies Ascend's core mission -- to give customers the tools they
need to build the New Public Network today, where all services are delivered from one
highly flexible network at the lowest cost,'' said Daniel E. Smith, executive vice president
and general manager, Core Systems Division, Ascend Communications, Inc.
''Additionally, by basing their network on Ascend's market-leading switching
innovations, network service providers can expand their own product reach and offer
new revenue generating services.'' |
