Ascom Timeplex runs optical ATM ring around Cambridge for multimedia language learning; leading-edge distributed ATM Switching Technology enables EU HIPERNET RACE Project at University of Cambridge

Business Wire, Dec 7, 1995

WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 7, 1995--Enterprise networking provider Ascom Timeplex, in cooperation with Switzerland-based research division Ascom Tech, has designed and built an advanced ATM network for the Language Center at the University of Cambridge. In the first project of its kind, this high capacity optical network based on Ascom Timeplex's Distributed ATM Switching campus network technology, supports new interactive multimedia learning methods including desktop video conferencing at sites across the city.

The new multimedia language learning network is being installed as part of a European Commission RACE project called HIPERNET, which is designed to support language learning through technology. HIPERNET provides a complete broadband networking solution including transmission, switching, access, servers and multimedia applications. In addition to Ascom Tech, the other partners are IBM, GEC-Marconi, VTT, AND Software, CAP SESA and the University of Cambridge.

Dr. Edith Esch, HIPERNET partner leader at Cambridge University, commented, "This use of ATM within Cambridge as a vehicle for campus-wide language learning is ground-breaking. In enabling the integration of video, voice, data and video-conferencing among students, ATM is providing a high-speed backbone that could be utilized not only within Cambridge, but potentially between universities in the UK and Europe as well as in other parts of the world. In this way, face-to-face interaction between students can be used as a framework for second language learning."

ATM Technology Supports Campus Multimedia Applications

HIPERNET, a high performance multimedia network, supports language learning by university students over a number of remote sites across Cambridge. The multimedia workstations are capable of presenting graphics, text, sound, full-motion video and providing video-conferencing between students and students and advisors.

While stand-alone multimedia terminals are now commonly available, there have been difficulties in delivering multimedia over a network in real-time. The project addresses these problems using Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) across a campus area 50 kilometers in diameter and a user base of several hundred.

ATM is able to carry and multiplex the wide variety of traffic types generated by HIPERNET, while also ensuring network delays are rare and imperceptible to all users. The technology also has the capacity to handle on the backbone and at switches both huge gigabit traffic volumes as well as accommodate different systems accessing the network at different speeds. For example, the servers generating streams of compressed video require several hundreds of Mbps while the student workstations may be only using a few Mbps of compressed data.

Distributed ATM Switching Solution from Ascom Timeplex

"Ascom Timeplex will evolve the Ascom Tech HIPERNET development model to deliver a unique ATM solution which can consist of any number of multi-port ATM access units connected by a dark fiber ring," commented Joe Golden, senior vice president, Marketing.

Golden added, "The distributed ATM switching technology allows the implementation of end-user campus and carrier metropolitan area networks which can span up to 50km and support thousands of users. The ring can theoretically be of any bandwidth, but the 1.25Gbps deployed at Cambridge will be enhanced in 1996, when commercial product will be available."

Although physically a ring, the network behaves logically as a mesh interconnecting all the ATM switches and allowing traffic to be routed cell-by-cell using the ATM header value. Interactive multimedia applications do not tolerate much delay, so the network minimizes end-to-end delays by routing transfer traffic away from the switches and ensuring that traffic that originates or is destined for a site, is only routed to the switch for that site.

About Ascom Timeplex

Ascom Timeplex is a recognized leader in enterprise networking systems solutions, The company helps organizations manage business-critical, voice data and video traffic by providing solutions led by innovative network development, implementation and support services, and based on scalable and wide area network technology.

Headquartered in Woodcliff Lake, Ascom Timeplex offers global services and support for all its products in 70 countries on seven continents. Ascom Timeplex is an operating division of Ascom Enterprise Networks, a core business unit of Ascom Holding AG, Bern, Switzerland, an international telecommunications company with shares traded on the Zurich Stock Exchange.

CONTACT: Ascom Timeplex

Patricia Jachens Rohme, 201/391-1111