Carrier Access consolidates IP access CPE

Carrier Access Corp. this week is expanding its Adit 3000 product series in an effort to further integrate the company into the enterprise market, but with a definite carrier point of view.

New to the line are expanded capabilities on both the 3402 multi-service router and the 3104 IP business gateway. The 3402 offers all the typical routing functions and a support for one to four T1s as well as 24 voice lines, but in a small form factor.

The 3104 incorporates voice over IP capabilities with Ethernet-speed performance. Designed for smaller or remote offices, the gateway supports a single T1 or Fast Ethernet WAN port. And while Carrier Access is making a significant push into the VAR market with both, carriers will remain a key channel particularly for the gateway, according to Troy Herrera, corporate market manager for the Boulder, Colo.-based company.

“I’m seeing great adoption of hosted voice in the small and medium business market,” he said. “It also pays off very well in the multi-site environment.”

Among the first potential users are competitive carriers who have been nibbling away at incumbents’ SMB market base. One of Carrier Access’ more recognized customers is ICG Communications. Cable operators also may be on the target list, though the company has yet to decide on going through CableLabs’ PacketCable certification process, Herrera said.