Nortel, Intel push label switching envelope 

ATLANTA--One of the hottest topics at Supercomm 2001 involves an idea with no name--or, rather, an idea with many names. The concept is variously termed “service intelligence” (Lucent), “signature switching” (Tut Systems), “dynamic provisioning” (Intel) or “service creation” (NET.com, Ellacoya, Sycamore, for example). While each company spins the idea differently, the common theme is to raise the potential value of network services by differentiating packets, services and users. 

Among many companies advancing the concept, Nortel and Intel both announced new products this week that take label switching a step forward. The Nortel example applies the idea on a massive scale across an integrated network. The Intel example, contrariwise, takes it to down to the microprocessor level. 

Nortel unveiled an all-optical switch that enables distributed intelligence throughout the network (see related story). The company’s new OPTera Connect PX photonic switch is being combined with routing and storage technology from Juniper Networks and EMC, respectively, to allow virtual private network (VPN) and storage networking on a massive scale. 

Benois Fleury, director of solutions marketing with Nortel’s optical Internet division, says the company’s 3D MEMS technology has been in trials for several months, demonstrating the ability to set up 1000 connections within 60 milliseconds. This switching capability--when combined with standards-based label switching (ASTN and GMPLS) and processing power at all network nodes--takes managed wavelength services to the VPN level. 

Second, Intel unveiled its new voice-over-packet processor technology, which the company says will also allow the network to “dynamically adjust to voice, data or fax call information.” The processors would, for example, enable service providers to offer voice quality service options that could be adjusted second-by-second. 

According to Intel, the new VoP technology represents a departure from current digital signal processors because the chips incorporate a RISC processor to process calls faster–30 to 50 calls per second, compared to the two or three call/second capacity of today’s processors.
Michael T. Burr is Editor in Chief for Telecom Business. He can be reached at michael_burr@intertec.com.