Global NAPs switches to packets

(Telephony) ISP network provider Global NAPs has replaced its class 4/5 circuit switches with broadband switches developed by Convergent Networks.

"This represents the first carrier who's actually dismantled all of their traditional circuit switches and is running their entire network on a packet-based infrastructure based on our products," said Sally Bament, Convergent's vice president of marketing and product management.

Because Global NAPs is a wholesale dial-up services provider and doesn't sell value-added subscriber services to residential users, the impact of changing circuit switches to packets was lessened, Bament conceded. Nevertheless, she said, the switchover is significant from an economic standpoint.

"We can help them improve their business plan by offering dial-up services on cheaper and cheaper equipment," she said. "In a 24-inch-by-24-inch telco rack or bay, we can support over 100,000 dial-up users or subscribers."

That represents quadruple density in about 10% of the standard circuit switch storage space, she said.

Global NAPs' East Coast network carries more than 2 billion minutes of traffic per month over the broadband switched network, Bament said.

Global NAPs' fiber network uses Sycamore Networks' optical networking gear and Marconi Communications ATM switches, into which Convergent interconnects its technology, with 32 soft switches installed from Miami, Fla., to Manchester, N.H.

"It just represents the maturity of packet-based voice technology now enabling a carrier like Global NAPs to make this transition and then actually dismantle their old network of circuit switches," Bament said.