Cisco Enhances Its IP Next-Generation Network Architecture

Cisco Systems Inc. recently announced it has made enhancements to its Internet protocol next-generation network (IP NGN) architecture to ease deployment of a range of business-focused and consumer-based services. The enhancements are designed to help increase service providers' revenue, customer loyalty and make delivery services more cost effective.

The Cisco IP NGN architecture now incorporates standards-based carrier-Ethernet OAM capabilities from the core to the customer premise. It includes Cisco 7600 Series routers, Cisco Metro Ethernet (ME) 3400 Series Ethernet access switches, Cisco Catalyst 3750 Metro Series switches and Cisco 1841, 2800 and 3800 integrated services routers. Its new OAM features also include IEEE 802.1ag for service verification, IEEE 802.3ah for link-layer troubleshooting and Ethernet link management interface for auto provisioning of customer premise equipment.

Cisco's recommended IP NGN implementation is its ServiceFlex design, based on a carrier-Ethernet infrastructure. Its OAM enhancements help service providers manage SLAs, and allows Ethernet-based business services and residential triple-play services to be delivered over a single converged Ethernet infrastructure.

Cisco also announced the availability of two new form factors for the Cisco ME 3400 Ethernet access switches. The form factors support Ethernet connectivity to business-oriented multitenant units and single-tenant units as well as residential-oriented multidwelling units.

The Cisco ME 3400-12CS and Cisco ME 3400-2CS Ethernet access switches are available now with a starting price of $6,995 for the 12CS and $1,695 for the 2CS. The Cisco integrated services router portfolio includes the Cisco 800 to Cisco 3800 series routers. The entire line of routers is available now and is priced from $399 to $13,000.

In addition, Cisco has announced the general availability of its Cisco Managed Services network management tools and associated lifecycle services. Cisco MSS consists of Cisco network management software that provisions, configures and monitors the integrated services router and security services; and services that support the planning, deployment and optimization of managed services.

Cisco also announced the availability of the Cisco ME 4924 gigabit Ethernet switch, a single-rack unit 10gbps-enabled access-aggregation switch that is part of the Cisco Ethernet FTTH solution, which is also part of Cisco’s IP NGN architecture. This platform is recommended as part of Cisco’s intelligent ServiceFlex network, as an alternative to PON access. The Cisco ME 4924 gigabit Ethernet access switch is available now and has a starting price of $43,500.

Cisco Systems Inc. www.cisco.com

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