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Overview:
MSSPs (multi-service switching platforms) represent a new category of metro core network element that is rapidly supplanting traditional single protocol devices. The category is currently characterized by a great diversity of approaches, a situation that has engendered much confusion within the service provider community. This report is intended to elucidate the vendor to vendor differences and, in addition, to examine the challenges faced by the new category along with projecting its growth. Also considered are the benefits provided by the new technology as well as the uncertainties associated with it.
Table of Contents:
SECTION I - EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
SECTION II – EXTENDED DEFINITION OF MSSP
Antecedents in Traditional Network Elements and Protocols
SONET
Packets and SONET
MSSPs as an Answer to the Packets/SONET Problem
ATM’s Place in the Debate
Wave Division Multiplexing
SECTION III – BASIC DESIGN APPROACHES
SONET Revisited
Next Gen SONET Protocols
Ethernet and Its Variants
MPLS
Resilient Packet Ring
SECTION IV – PRODUCT CONFIGURATION
Next Gen SONET ADM
ADM/Switch
Ethernet Switch
IP Router/Switch
Optical Interfaces
SECTION V – THE MANUFACTURERS AND THEIR PRODUCTS
Heir Apparent, Next Gen SONET
Enhanced Ethernet Switches
Enhanced Ethernet Router/Switches
Resilient Packet Ring
Defunct Manufacturers of MSSPs
SECTION VI – ISSUES AND OBSTACLES
Decline in Investment
Long Buying Cycles of Incumbent Telcos
SECTION VII – MARKET POTENTIAL AND MARKET DRIVERS
Demand for Data
VPNs and LAN Extension
Residential Broadband
Multimedia
Data Storage
Voice over IP
Capex/Opex
Compatibility with Enterprise LANs
Superior Flexibility
SECTION VIII – MARKET PROJECTIONS
Uncertainties of the Marketplace
Next Gen SONET Sales Projections
Ethenet Switch Sales Projections
IP Edge Router/Switch Sales Projections
RPR Sales Projections
Analysis of Market Data
SECTION IX – CONCLUSIONS
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