Verizon Tests Nortel IMS Solution

Verizon is testing an IMS solution from Nortel as part of its ongoing plans to evaluate IMS technologies. The lab evaluation is being conducted in Verizon’s Laboratories in Waltham, Massachusetts.

Nortel is Verizon’s largest softswitch vendor, with multiple solutions deployed across the country. Nortel’s Communication Server (CS) 2000 is part of the backbone of Verizon’s nationwide packet network. These softswitches control more than 3.8 million packet trunk and line ports, with the capacity to deliver several million more.

Nortel’s IMS solution utilizes a new Call Session Controller and Home Subscriber Server (HSS) while leveraging the installed softswitch base for gateway control and voice applications. Nortel said its IMS solution leverages more than five years of internal R&D investment in SIP, and the significant experience gained through deploying its SIP-based Multimedia Communications Server (MCS) 5200 in more than 40 service provider networks.

Verizon also is introducing VoIP into its local service networks as well, potentially allowing it to provide customers with network-based services that dramatically increase functionality, mobility and productivity.

Nortel also noted that it ranked number one in the global markets for service provider softswitches and gateways for the first half of 2005 and the entire year of 2004, according to Synergy Research Group.

http://www.nortel.com

• In January 2004, Verizon Communications announced that it had selected Nortel Networks as its VoIP equipment provider for the evolution of its nationwide wireline network to packet-switching technology. Verizon will begin deployment of the new Nortel Networks equipment in its local and long-distance voice wireline networks later this year, tying the VoIP capabilities into its Enterprise Advance and FTTP initiatives. Verizon’s initial service deployment was scheduled for mid-2004 and was expected to include hosted VoIP and multimedia services for business and consumers. Lawrence T. Babbio Jr., Verizon vice chairman and telecom president, described the packet migration to be “…as significant as when the industry began moving from analog to digital technology in the 1980s.”

  As part of the announcment, Nortel Networks was named the exclusive provider of Verizon’s local and long-distance Class 4 (tandem) and Class 5 (local) VoIP switches in new offices over the next 18 months. Nortel Networks will also be the exclusive supplier of Verizon’s VoIP and multimedia services infrastructure over the next 18 months. Furthermore, the companies agreed to collaborate on packet voice solutions for enterprise customers. Financial terms were not disclosed. Nortel Networks described the project as one of its most comprehensive converged-network wins to date. The deal covers the full range of Nortel Networks’ carrier packet platforms. Specifically, Verizon will begin the replacement of a number of its traditional local switches with Nortel Networks softswitches and VoIP gateways. In addition, Verizon will begin using the Nortel Networks switches to expand the company’s long-distance network. Nortel Networks has already begun shipping softswitch equipment for Verizon’s long-distance, tandem, and end-office networks, including Succession Communication Server (CS) 2000 Superclass softswitches and local and long-distance access gateways. Other Nortel Networks equipment expected to be deployed by Verizon includes Nortel Networks Passport* Packet Voice Gateway, Succession Multiservice Gateway 4000, Succession Media Gateway 9000, and the Multimedia Communication Server 5200.