Cisco introduces new SDH multiservice products to expand optical portfolio for international markets

Fiber Optics Weekly Update, March 21, 2003

Cisco Systems expanded the Cisco Complete Optical Multiservice Edge and Transport (COMET) portfolio with new products and product enhancements for SDH networks. The Cisco ONS 15302 and ONS 15305 multiservice access platforms extend the multiservice network to the customer premises, allowing service providers to cost-effectively support data services and existing voice traffic over their SDH infrastructures. Additionally, enhancements. to the Cisco ONS 15454 SDH Multiservice Provisioning Platform (MSPP) and Cisco Transport Manager element management system support extended optical reach, application .diversity, and flexible multiservice.

Current SDH access networks predominantly operate at STM-1 or STM-4 rates while there continues to be a large demand for traditional E1 services. Service providers can maximize the port density and multiservice flexibility of the Cisco ONS 15302 and ONS 15305 platforms to deliver Ethernet services while maintaining the existing revenue streams of traditional voice services. The ONS 15302 and ONS 15305 extend the multiservice access edge network to the customer premises, collecting data and voice traffic and allowing the delivery of revenue-generating services. Service providers deploying a Cisco ONS 15454 in the aggregation site can terminate up to 40 ONS 15302 or ONS 15305 access rings per shelf to increase efficiency in their network and reduce capital and operational expenses. Fewer shelves and shelf interconnections, common equipment, lower power consumption and reduced space requirements contribute to service provider savings and profitability.

In a related announcement, Cisco stated that Acantho, an Italian metro Ethernet service provider, has selected the Cisco ONS 15454 SDH MSPP and ONS 15302 in order to capture new market opportunities in tandem with its existing metro Ethernet switching network infrastructure.