Cable Company uses TDMoIP Innovative Cable Company Uses IPmux to Extend T1 Circuits over Switched Ethernet
Blue Ridge Communications (www.blueridgecommunication.com) was formed in the 1940s with an innovative approach to improving television reception in the mountain community of Palmerton, Pennsylvania: It transmitted the television signals over cable, and as such, became a pioneer of cable TV.
Maintaining the spirit of innovation and vision that always characterized the company, Blue Ridge today offers an expanded range of services, which includes digital cable, high speed Internet, paging and pay-per-view. In this same spirit, Blue Ridge selected RAD's IPmux™ with unique TDM over IP (TDMoIP) technology to improve internal communications between the company's corporate office and its 15 remote cable offices. "The problem was that we were relying on 56 kbps connections via leased line services from a third-party provider," says Barry Fink, PC Network Technician at Blue Ridge. "Not only were we throwing away a significant amount of money on these leased lines, but we also needed more bandwidth to allow the voice and data to share the network with a very high degree of quality."
Rather than install costly T1 fibre lines, Blue Ridge opted to use RAD's IPmux-16™ and IPmux-1™ TDMoIP gateways, which would provide transparent T1 circuits over the existing data network.
With RAD's TDMoIP solution in place, Blue Ridge enjoys numerous improvements over the previous set-up. Because the IPmux units communicate over the existing Ethernet network, the need for costly leased lines no longer exists. Furthermore, the higher speed Ethernet/fibre connection eliminates the need for compression, resulting in greatly improved voice quality. In addition, TDMoIP is transparent to protocols and signalling, enabling Blue Ridge to take full advantage of their Nortel Meridian 1 system and provide communications services to multiple remote facilities.
Now all users at the head office and at remote sites can share common network features and functionalities within a unified private communications network. "PBX features like voicemail can now be used by the remote locations. To the user, it appears that remote office telephones are now simply extensions off of the main PBX," explains Fink. This capability is normally offered by the Meridian system over T1 or dark fibre links, but RAD's IPmux extends this capability to work seamlessly over Ethernet networks. "Blue Ridge plans to roll out the TDMoIP solution to up to 10 more remote sites as we continue to add fibre connections," continues Fink.
"This simple TDMoIP solution saved Blue Ridge from having to maintain a separate TDM-based network and incur the costs of TDM switching equipment at each office. There was no other cost other than having to buy the IPmux for each end," adds Joe Murphy, Division President at Source.
Transatlantic Telesurgery World's First Trans-Atlantic Surgery Accomplished Using RAD's ATM Device
ACE-2002 Reduces Delay and Ensures Reliable Transmission of Mission-Critical Data
Like Charles Lindbergh's solo trans-Atlantic flight from New York to Paris in 1927, another dramatic, technological breakthrough has linked New York and France, capturing people's imaginations and bringing the world a little closer together. In the first medical operation of its kind, dubbed Operation Lindbergh, doctors in New York performed successful gallbladder surgery - via remote-controlled robotics - on a patient located in Strasbourg, France.
In Operation Lindbergh, 7,000 kilometres (4,000 miles) separated the surgical team in New York City and the patient strapped to a hospital gurney in surgical ward A in Strasbourg Civil Hospital in eastern France. The doctor in New York moved the remote control on the console of Computer Motion's Zeus robotic surgical system, which combines robotics, a video display and unique computer software, to manipulate surgical instruments held by a robot in the operating room and perform the minimally invasive surgery. The patient was released from the hospital in 48 hours and resumed normal activity after one week.
Real-Time Data, Voice and Video Transmissions
The Zeus system relies on broadcast-quality video, IP telephony, videoconferencing and a LAN interconnection. "Previously, the impediment to performing trans-Atlantic operations was the time lag, which could be as long as one second. That is too long to safely perform a surgical operation," explains Jean-Pierre Temime, Director of Marketing for France Telecom Enterprise Services at France Telecom. Using ATM technology and RAD's ACE-2002™ multiservice access concentrator and network termination unit (NTU) over a high speed fibre optic link, France Telecom was able to reduce the transmission delay to 150 milliseconds, a speed that is almost imperceptible to the human eye. This enabled the surgeon in New York to view his progress on a video screen in real time.
End-to-End Quality of Service
The sophisticated policing, monitoring and shaping capabilities of the ACE-2002 provide end-to-end Quality of Service (QoS), which is crucial for a life-and-death situation such as telesurgery. "This was a very challenging project, since we had to apply our expertise in high speed services within an extremely exacting environment in terms of the reliability and security needed. These are, in fact, the same services we deliver every day to equally demanding corporate customers," says Temime. France Telecom depends on RAD's ACE™ NTU’s in its metropolitan InterLAN HD service and other ATM services.
Far-Reaching Consequences
"The success of this groundbreaking telesurgery lays the foundation for the globalisation of surgical procedures," states Temime. "It makes it easier and less expensive for people in remote locations to benefit from the abilities of medical specialists from all over the world."
Data and Voice Integration for Australian Bank Sydney’s Perpetual Bank Reaps Big Savings on Telecom Costs Using RAD’s Access Equipment
Environment
Corporate network composed of four branches of a financial institution in downtown Sydney, Australia.
Goal
- Create a cost-effective voice and data network between four offices in the same city.
- Create an 8 Mbps backup system for the bank’s two major sites.
Solution
- RAD’s Megaplex-2100 integrates voice and data traffic between the four sites, thus reducing communications costs. Standard leased lines are connected to RAD’s 2 Mbps HTU-E1 HDSL termination units as an alternative to more expensive data circuits.
- Four IMX-4E1 inverse multiplexers form the basis for an 8 Mbps backup circuit.
Benefits
- RAD’s HTU-E1 HDSL termination units combined with Megaplex-2100 multiplexers integrate voice and data traffic over standard leased lines, providing a cost-effective alternative to more expensive data circuits.
- IMX-4E1 multiplexers working over leased lines provide an 8 Mbps backup data circuit. The backup link provides a less expensive alternative to the 34 Mbps fibre main link.
- Because the backup can be used for live traffic, the main carrier link can eventually be downgraded.
Description
If any organization is serious about saving money, it's a bank. That's why Perpetual, one of Australia's most respected financial institutions, was enthusiastic to learn that RAD's Local Loop modems and inverse multiplexers could deliver substantial savings on their local area telecommunications costs.
The cost-cutting suggestions came to them courtesy of Paclink, one of RAD's authorized partners in Australia. After acquiring a local management fund in the summer of 1998, Sydney-based Perpetual wanted to connect Perpetual's three existing offices with those of the newly acquired fund. John Ferrington, Perpetual's telecommunications manager, explained that the company required two different systems: a cost-effective combined voice and data network as well as an 8 Mbps backup data network.
Voice/Data Integration Reduces Costs
RAD's Megaplex-2100™ integrates voice and data traffic between the four sites in order to reduce communications costs. Paclink proposed using standard leased lines connected to RAD's 2 Mbps HTU-E1™ HDSL termination units as an alternative to expensive data circuits. Paclink and RAD also provided a backup system between the bank's two major sites using four IMX-4E1™ inverse multiplexers as the basis for the 8 Mbps circuit.
“ Since the network was installed, we've been very happy with the performance of the RAD equipment," Ferrington said. "The HTU-E1 units perform very well over distances of two kilometres between our offices. And the four Megaplex-2100 units have worked faultlessly," he said.
“ The RAD-Paclink solution meets all our requirements," Ferrington continued. "The IMX inverse multiplexer working over leased lines provides the most logical and cost-effective 8 Mbps solution," he said. "Our primary link is over 34 Mbps fibre, which is quite expensive. With the RAD-Paclink backup solution, we can achieve the same results less expensively, using less bandwidth. Because we use the backup link for
live traffic, the carrier link will eventually be downgraded," he said.
“ We estimate that the new RAD network designed and installed by Paclink will save $A30,000 a year, with a payback period of only 12 months," he said, "and we look forward to reaping even greater savings in the future."
LAN Extension brings Good Government RAD’s Fibre Optic Multiplexer Helps Bring Good Government Closer to the Swedish People
Goal
To link local government offices within the city
Solution
RAD’s Optimux-XLE1 multiple E1 and Ethernet multiplexers
link all government offices to an SDH backbone via E3 radio
links
Benefits
- Easy LAN connectivity
- Scalable, enabling the addition of more E1 or Ethernet ports
- Offers cost-effective support of new services with minimum investment
- Multiplexes E1 and wire-speed Ethernet over an E3 or fibre optic link
Description
The port city of Gothenburg, on Sweden's southwest coast, is using modern telecommunications to make the municipal government more responsive to the needs of local communities. Not satisfied with "government by the people," the city of Gothenburg is trying "government nearby the people," thanks to RAD's Optimux-XLE1™ fibre optic multiplexer.
“ People felt that politicians were not accessible enough," says Bertil Nilsson of Gothenburg Energy, the local energy company that has expanded from supplying power to also providing data communications solutions. "To better serve its citizens, the city government decided to open smaller offices in different neighbourhoods, rather than concentrate all government offices in a few central locations."
Gothenburg Energy's new GothNet communications service enabled the city government to establish 12 neighbourhood offices. In each office, an Optimux-XLE1 multiplexer from RAD transports data to an ATM edge switch via an E3 radio link. The switch connects to the SDH/SONET backbone.
“ Optimux was the ideal choice," says Nilsson, "because it features easy LAN connectivity over an E3 line.” It also offers needed flexibility: More E1 or Ethernet ports can be added to the Optimux to support extra services without a significant investment in more equipment. "Actually, Optimux is unique," adds Johan Sage of Lagercrantz Communication, the local RAD distributor, "because of its ability to multiplex E1 and wire-speed Ethernet over an E3 or
fibre optic link. There is no similar product on the market.” (Hungary) and Eircom (Ireland).
Optimux provides an excellent solution for city networks that need to connect telephone and LAN service, says Izi Amado, RAD s Optimux Family Product Line Manager. In most cases, carriers already have a communications infrastructure. The Optimux family enables them to extend the SDH/SONET backbone over either wireless or fibre lines. This enables utility companies, which already have the backbone, such as Gothenburg Energy, to offer additional services for the low price of an Optimux system, states Amado
TDM over IP for Disaster Recovery Free Space Optics and RAD's IPmux Provide Lifeline to Clients in Disaster Recovery Efforts
Goal
To alleviate overloaded T1 circuits without upgrading equipment
Solution
RAD's IPmux-4 TDMoIP gateways deliver traditional T1 circuits over a laser connection
Benefits
-Extends T1 circuits quickly
-Works with existing equipment
-No need to upgrade to VoIP
Description
Among the myriad problems that beset companies in lower Manhattan following the September 11, 2001 attack on the World Trade Centre was the extensive damage suffered by the communications infrastructure, including underground fibre optic cables. Many companies were left without voice, data and Internet services that are vital for their continued operation.
The Rockefeller Group is a private corporation dedicated to excellence in commercial real estate that develops and manages high quality real estate for leading organizations. It has engaged in some of America's most significant real estate endeavours, including the development of Rockefeller Centre, the world's finest urban business and entertainment complex. Rockefeller Group Telecommunications Services, Inc. (RGTS), the telecommunications arm of the Rockefeller Group, provides total voice and data solutions to tenants in commercial office buildings, geared to each client's specific needs. In the wake of the September 11 tragedy, RGTS worked around the clock to restore emergency communications services to clients, especially those forced to relocate.
One of RGTS's clients was forced to increase the number of employees in a building from 300 to 800. This caused serious infrastructure problems because their existing voice lines could not handle the additional load. Employees were not able to work because their phones were getting fast-busy signals. RGTS resolved the problem by deploying free-space optics to connect that building with one of its other facilities using line-of-site lasers. RGTS then installed RAD's IPmux-4 TDMoIP gateways on either side of the laser connection to deliver traditional T1 circuits across the Ethernet/laser transport.
TDMoIP gateways deliver traditional TDM-based voice and signalling protocols required by the PBX. "The TDMoIP solution lets us provision services overnight, without the need for costly upgrades to the existing equipment," says Chris Abrams, consulting engineer at RGTS. "Our clients don't notice any difference between these and other T1 circuits. They're pretty ecstatic, actually," affirms Abrams.
RGTS has also been approached regarding RAD's TDMoIP solution by IP broadband providers that currently offer high-speed Ethernet services with varying service level guarantees. "TDMoIP is a great solution for them because they can use their existing infrastructure to deliver new, revenue-generating voice and T1 services. With TDMoIP, RGTS can extend voice services from the traditional voice switches to the customers' PBXs without the expense and complexity of upgrading to VoIP or leasing costly T1 lines," states Abrams.
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