Cisco Scalable DCN solution Migrates Today's Operations Networks in a Cost-Effective Manner to Support New World Services
SAN JOSE, Calif. -- June 7, 1999 -- Cisco Systems, Inc., today announced a telco Central Office Data Communications Network (DCN) solution for optimizing and simplifying network operations. Through a set of NEBS Level 3 and ETSI compliant hardware platforms for telco central offices and an enhanced version of Cisco IOS(R) software, service providers can seamlessly migrate their existing X.25 and async networks to an open, New World architecture. Cisco gives service providers a scalable telco central office compliant solution that allows them to cost effectively consolidate their DCNs enabling a graceful migration to New World services based on IP technologies.
A DCN is an out-of-band network that provides connectivity between network elements and their respective operations support systems (OSS). Its primary function is enabling surveillance and status of a telco/PTT network, but it also facilitates network operations and management such as provisioning, billing, planning, and service assurance. The newly announced Cisco DCN solution scales with large, fast growing SONET/SDH OSI management networks run by service providers to centralize their network operations, thus reducing costs and simplifying network management.
"We needed an alternative that would provide better integration with the network and better reliability," says Ameritech principal engineer, Mark Copehaver. "Cisco has a great end-to-end DCN solution that includes NEBS Level 3 compliant platforms, and scales from our smallest central office to the largest central office. I would definitely recommend Cisco to other players in the telecommunications environment. We've had an excellent record with them in terms of products and support."
Cisco's scalable DCN solution is comprised of two modular and versatile DCN access platforms, the new Cisco 3662-DC-CO, optimized for medium and large central offices and the Cisco 2600-DC optimized for small central offices. These two platforms flexibly share network modules between them thus reducing field inventory and training expenses and protecting the telco's capital and intellectual investment in the operations network. The third element of the solution, the Cisco Catalyst 1924 DC provides a cost-effective platform for switched Ethernet port expansion.
At the heart of the Cisco DCN solution is a telco-specific version of it's industry leading Cisco IOS software. The X.25 and async features of the Cisco IOS Telco feature set enable DCN consolidation while the new OSI multi-area feature reduces complexity and cost. As an example, Cisco's DCN solution enables the service provider to consolidate 12 OSI Level 1 routers into one Cisco 3662 DCCCO running the multi-area feature.
"Cisco recognizes that with the growth of new packet-based services, telcos need simplified, higher-performance, more scalable operations networks," said Susan Scheer, director of services marketing for Cisco's Service Provider Line of Business. "By utilizing Cisco's core competencies in routing, protocol translation and WAN connectivity, we are able to give our customers a comprehensive, end-to-end DCN solution that helps them migrate to the New World of networking."
Availability
The Cisco 3662 DC-CO along with the telco feature set found in the Cisco IOS software will be available in August 1999. The Cisco 2600 Series modular access platforms and the Catalyst 1924 DC Ethernet Switch are available today.Cisco Systems
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