MILAN,Italy December 9, 2004 - Italtel, a leading company in the integration of voice/data/video services for the development of IP-based Next Generation Networks, and Cisco Systems today announced the deployment of a new solution for the evolution of FastWeb's VoIP network. FastWeb is the primary alternative operator in Italy, providing broadband telecommunication services, and the first operator worldwide to have developed an 'all IP' network to deliver 'Triple Play' services (voice, data, video).
Characterized by its 'Trunking Gateway' feature, the Italtel-Cisco solution provides FastWeb with a highly reliable and scalable voice/data/video IP infrastructure with the flexibility to adapt to the evolutions and advances of network and IP-based services. Additionally, the network's overall optimization and rationalization has enabled significant reductions in operating costs.
The new architecture is based on Italtel's iMSS (Italtel Multi Service Solution) Softswitch platform and Cisco Systems' MGX 8000 series Media Gateways. "This implementation confirms the value of Italtel's and Cisco's IP Next Generation Network solutions," said Claudio Pavanelli, VP Marketing at Italtel. "We are honored by our continued partnership with FastWeb, and of helping in the development of their network for Next Generation Services offerings," continues Pavanelli.
Paolo Campoli, Director of Marketing Solutions at Cisco Systems EMEA said, "The architecture provided by Italtel and Cisco is particularly important because of its role as the connection point between FastWeb's broadband network for VoIP services and other operator's fixed and mobile networks. All calls to and from external networks are managed by the Italtel-Cisco system. For the implementation of this network, which combines the richness and flexibility of VoIP services with the technological heritage of the other fixed networks, we took advantage of Cisco's extensive IP knowledge and expertise combined with Italtel's integration abilities between the two worlds."
Guido Garrone, Chief Technical Officer at FastWeb said, "With the introduction of the new 'Trunking Gateway' architecture within FastWeb's network, we have made a significant step forward towards the complete integration of switching circuit networks and telephony management packet switching networks. The solution seamlessly aligns with the existing PRI access-based architecture on iMSS and Cisco's AS5300 series Voice Gateway, helping to protect existing investments and enabling the evolution of FastWeb's network towards optimized use of network resources. This highly specialized implementation is already providing direct VoIP interconnectivity with other operators, bringing considerable savings in terms of network resources and operations management."
"Through the single solution management system (MSEM)," explains Luigi Gerbi, O&M telephony manager at FastWeb, "we gain complete control over calls passing through both VoIP and TDM networks. This is a big help because it enables centralized and streamlined provisioning and operation & maintenance, including single call tracking or measuring network performance and collecting traffic statistics."
