Vendors pair switch, concentrator

3Com Corp. and Siemens announced last week that they've developed a solution to help carriers integrate data services into their voice networks.

The new system uses 3Com's Total Control remote access concentrator with the EWSD Class 5 digital switching system from Siemens.

By linking the devices, the system allows carriers to offer services such as voice-over-Internet protocol, e-mail waiting indication and the ability for customers to receive incoming phone calls while on-line.

Carriers "want to move data off the [voice] network as soon as possible, but they want to offer enhanced services to all customers," said Carl Steen, product line manager for 3Com's Total Control DSP technology. So-called smart data cards, which would replace today's line cards in switches, are in the works, but such systems are at least three years away. The concentrator/switch approach is a workable short-term solution, he said.

But 3Com isn't the only vendor onto that idea. Bay Networks is announcing a system that connects its Versalar 5000 remote access concentrator to multiple vendors' central office switches. 3Com plans to deploy its solution with other switch vendors, Steen said.

Developing specific functions for integrated switches and concentrators will be crucial for vendors, said Lisa Alloca of Renaissance Worldwide, Boston. "The ones that will win are solutions that address the applications level, not just the technology level," she said.

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