Unisphere Networks Introduces IS Voice to Enable QoS for Next Generation Voice Services.

Business/Technology Editors

WESTFORD, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 5, 2001

New Voice Express Queuing(TM)functionality provides PSTN quality

across IP circuits

Unisphere Networks Inc. today introduced IS Voice(TM), a new application that enables service providers to ensure the QoS (Quality of Service) required for delivering voice services across the IP networks. New Call Admission Control (CAC) functionality in Unisphere Network's SMX-2100, combined with the new IS QoS(TM) capabilities in its ERX Edge Routers, bridges the gap between the IP and circuit worlds by creating an "IP Circuit."

The SMX-2100 leverages the Voice Express Queuing(TM) capabilities in the ERX, which fills the voice over IP services gap by providing a solution for transporting voice traffic over an IP infrastructure. These services are delivered with a comparable level of carrier-grade quality and reliability associated with the traditional voice network.

IS Voice is the first application to leverage the new IS QoS capabilities embedded in its ERX. IS QoS is exclusive new technology embedded into the ERX to allow service providers to deliver and ensure a host of new services over the IP infrastructure. Voice, video and VPN services can now be offered with a level of QoS previously not possible over the legacy IP backbone without costly over-provisioning of bandwidth.

Voice Express Queuing Creates IP Circuits

Voice Express Queuing creates an IP Circuit by utilizing the Call Admission Control (CAC) features of the SMX-2100 and the Strict Priority Queuing (SPQ) within the ERX to validate available routes and bandwidth capabilities across an IP network. Before admitting an IP call to the network, CAC enables the SMX-2100 to communicate with the ERX to collect state information of routes, or IP Circuits, available in the network, similar to the way calls are setup in traditional voice networks.

The IP circuits are based on MPLS Label Switched Paths (LSPs) configured in the IP network. Leveraging knowledge of the network configuration, the SMX-2100 forwards IP voice packets -- IP Circuits that can meet the bandwidth requirement across the network. Much like the circuit-switched world, if the primary IP Circuit is unavailable or does not have available bandwidth, the call can be rerouted across another IP circuit, or to a TDM trunk, or the call can be provided with a fast-busy signal if network resources are not available. Being able to identify available routes and bandwidth capacity across the IP network is what enables service providers to ensure delivery of IP voice packets across the Internet.

"With its new voice express queuing offering, which is an integration of the SMX-2100 and the ERX edge router, Unisphere has taken an early lead in providing carriers edge-to-edge voice QoS across an IP transport infrastructure. Without such approaches, carriers are forced to ensure toll-quality QoS for VoIP by over-provisioning bandwidth, a proposition that comes with increased reoccurring costs." said Brent Wilson, Title, Current Analysis.

"IS voice is the missing piece of the Voice over IP puzzle. Until now, service providers have been limited to over-provisioning bandwidth as a method to ensure the delivery of voice packets over the best-effort public network. By leveraging the IS QoS in the ERX, the SMX-2100 can create the IP circuits that enable service providers to ensure both the delivery and quality of IP Voice services," said Eve Aretakis, vice president and general manager for Unisphere Networks' Voice Switching Business Unit.

About the ERX Edge Router

Unisphere Networks' ERX Edge Routers deliver the next-generation IP infrastructure that enables many of the world's leading service providers to deploy high-speed Internet connections and value-added IP services to both businesses and consumers. The ERX product family provides wire-speed performance, sophisticated routing capabilities, carrier-class reliability and high capacity port density. The ERX features leading-edge technologies such as IP QoS, Virtual Private Networks and MPLS. Used in combination with Unisphere Networks' Service Selection Center (SSC), the ERX provides a comprehensive dynamic service creation, activation and accounting system that delivers revenue generating services such as tiered Internet and media rich services. Unisphere Networks' ERX product family includes three models: the high-capacity ERX-1440, the mid-range ERX-1400, and the low-end ERX-705. Each model features a full suite of Internet routing protocols, including BGP-4, IS-IS, OSPF, and RIP.

For more information on Unisphere Networks' ERX Edge Routers visit http://www.unispherenetworks.com/index/home/products/p_routing.html.

About the SMX-2100 Media Gateway

Unisphere's SMX-2100 Media Gateway, delivers VoIP capabilities to Unisphere's high-density, next-generation voice switching platform. The SMX-2100 is currently handling more than 15 million minutes of calls in live networks daily.

In addition, the SMX-2100 now includes support for MGCP, allowing it to interoperate with Unisphere's SRX-3000 Softswitch, as well as with other standards-based softswitch platforms. The combination of the SRX-3000 and the SMX-2100 with IPM 1 allows Unisphere to offer providers the ability to handle VoIP traffic concurrent with traditional voice Inter-Machine Trunk tandem and PRI delivery applications.

About Unisphere Networks

Unisphere Networks, Inc. is a leading provider of carrier-grade IP networking solutions to enable data, voice and rich media services. The Unisphere Networks IS POP(TM) product framework, along with its service and support organization, enables leading service providers to deploy revenue-generating services with quality, reliability and wire-speed performance at the network edge. Founded in 1999, the company is headquartered in Westford, Mass. More than 30 sales offices worldwide and a network of international resellers serve its globally diverse customer base. For more information, please visit the Web site at http://www.unispherenetworks.com.

Unisphere Networks is a trademark of Unisphere Networks Inc. All other company and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.