Ericsson launches new 3G packet switching platform

Ericsson launches new 3G packet switching platform handling both IP and ATM - Ensures operators future-proof transition to 3G Ericsson is launching a high performance, scalable packet switching platform enabling operators to efficiently deliver both realtime and best- effort services on a single platform. The innovative platform handles both realtime IP and ATM, offering mobile network operators a flexible infrastructure for future-proof transition to the 3G networks which are needed for new mobile Internet services. The new packet switching platform is optimized for use in mobile networks and is especially designed to handle different types of services and communication protocols. The packet switched platform efficiently handles both realtime IP and ATM traffic. Operators are able to offer, in the same network node, any combination of 2G and 3G traffic based on IP or ATM. Ericsson's recently announced realtime router, the RXI 820, is based on this platform, as are Ericsson's embedded ATM switches in 3G networks. "Ericsson's new 3G platform gives operators a very flexible solution since it offers both realtime IP and ATM with the same technology. Both are needed in 3G deployment. This new Ericsson platform combines our unique strength and experience in mobility and realtime, mission-critical networks to deliver the best competitive position for operators," says Jan Uddenfeldt, Chief Technology Officer at Ericsson. Realtime IP and ATM flexibility Realtime, telecom-grade characteristics are achieved through an architecture that comprises a distributed multi-processor realtime operating system. The platform's modular design facilitates creation of nodes with different configurations, functionality, capacity, and performance. The platform scales exceptionally well, offering a switching capacity of up to 17 Gbps in its smallest configuration, in one shelf. It is powerful enough to build large media gateway nodes, IP routers and Radio Network Controller (RNC) nodes. At the same time, the scalability of the new platform enables small, low speed implementations in radio base stations. With Ericsson's new packet switching platform, operators can further rationalize operational expenditures. Because of its design, it can serve as a common platform in several radio network nodes, which reduces overall technical training and support costs. The network can be managed from local or remote sites, with web-based technology that allows element management applications to be accessed from any personal computer using a standard web browser. New Products based on the Common Platform The new robust platform is especially designed for deployment in emerging 3G networks based on WCDMA, cdma2000, and EDGE, as well as Ericsson's recently announced IP-Base Station System solution. Ericsson's Media Gateway for 3G networks is the central element of the company's 3G network architecture. It functions both as an ATM switch and realtime IP router, thus enabling efficient handling of both realtime and best effort services. It interconnects the radio access and backbone parts of the network and provides all the necessary functionality for performing required signaling and media gateway functions. Ericsson's Media Gateway for 3G networks also enables more efficient use of network resources, dynamically allocating bandwidth in response to changes in the balance of packet and circuit based traffic. The Ericsson Realtime Router RXI 820 is another product based on the new platform. RXI 820 is the world's first router optimized to handle realtime services in wireless networks, enabling operators to build all-IP wireless networks that can handle demanding, realtime services with telecom-grade quality. Two other new products based on the platform are used in the wireless access network parts of Ericsson's WCDMA system offerings. One is Ericsson's RBS 3202, which is the first base station to be announced in a complete family of WCDMA base stations. Another product is the scalable Radio Network Controller, RNC 3810; efficiently managing network resources in the WCDMA wireless access network. Ericsson is the leading provider in the new telecoms world, with communications solutions that combine telecom and datacom technologies with freedom of mobility for the user. With more than 100,000 employees in 140 countries, Ericsson simplifies communications for its customers - network operators, service providers, enterprises and consumers - the world over. Please visit Ericsson's Press Room at: http://www.ericsson.se/pressroom FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT Johan Wiklund, Ericsson Corporate Communications Phone: +46 70 560 0134; E-mail: johan.wiklund@lme.ericsson.se Mikael Halén, Director, Product Marketing, Wideband Radio Networks Ericsson Business Unit WCDMA Systems Phone: +46 70 267 0309; E-mail: mikael.halen@era.ericsson.se Background Information Ericsson's packet switching platform was known in its development phase as "Cello". A technical description was presented in Ericsson Review, issue 02, 1999, see: http://www.ericsson.com/review/search.taf?_function=detail&content_uid2=48 &_UserReference=9D62CE8D389AF24038B20918 The Ericsson RXI 820 is the world's first router optimized to handle realtime services in wireless networks. It enables operators to build all- IP wireless networks that can handle demanding, realtime services with telecom-grade quality. The Ericsson Realtime Router RXI 820 is an industry first of its kind - specifically designed to efficiently handle the special characteristics of wireless access networks. Read more about the RXI 820 at: http://www.ericsson.se/pressroom/20000201-0001.html Ericsson's IP-BSS is a first important step to an all-IP wireless network. It enables operators to upgrade or build their networks to more efficiently handle the huge traffic increase expected in tomorrow's mobile networks. The system also offers - for the first time - an IP-based solution for wireless access networks with ensured quality of service for voice and other realtime sensitive services. Read more about the IP-BSS at: http://www.ericsson.se/pressroom/20000201-0002.html ------------------------------------------------------------ Please visit http://www.bit.se for further information The following files are available for download: http://www.bit.se/bitonline/2000/02/23/20000223BIT00190/bit0001.doc http://www.bit.se/bitonline/2000/02/23/20000223BIT00190/bit0002.pdf