BT will introduce new “Megastream Ethernet” services over its existing nationwide network of Alcatel multiservice switches. The network is based on the Alcatel 7670 Routing Switch Platform (RSP) and the Alcatel 7470 Multiservice Platform (MSP), and is managed by the Alcatel 5620 Network Manager. It interconnects 120 points of presence linking core metropolitan routes throughout the UK. Financial terms were not disclosed. http://www.alcatel.com
- In April 2003, Alcatel introduced Frame Relay to Metro Ethernet Service Interworking capability, enabling service providers to offer Ethernet access through their widely-deployed Frame Relay networks. The capability allows carriers to offer switched VPN services to their customers with the choice of mixing Frame or cell relay with Ethernet access to the same VPN. For example, a corporate head office might wish to upgrade to metro Ethernet access at 200 Mbps rates while preserving its existing Frame Relay VPN to all its remote locations. The Alcatel Service Interworking is delivered as a software upgrade feature on the Alcatel 7670 Routing Switch Platform (RSP). The new software maps the Ethernet VLAN IDs into Frame Relay DLCI / ATM VCI parameters.