Herndon, Virginia-headquartered Newbridge Networks Corp has announced a roadmap that it claims provides a comprehensive solution for the Internet market. In fact this translates as an announcement for a new access service system, an addition to its branch office controller and a promise to enhance its service and management capabilities. First up is the 38010 MainStreet Access Service Platform, due for launch at an unspecified date this year. The 38010 will terminate both switched analogue and digital calls on a single digital primary rate line and be aimed at providers of Internet services as well as end-users, says Newbridge. According to the company, the 38010 system will feature integral modem technology, which will eliminate the need for individual modems and their associated cabling, and a scalable architecture, ranging from 12 modem ports to 506 digital ports. The system is also designed to support a range of standard modem and ISDN connections to accommodate Internet traffic coming from such disparate facilities as major corporations, government bureaux, branch offices and residences, although details of these have yet to emerge. It will also support a variety of technologies for transmission over the wide area, including Frame Relay and TCP/IP access into packet-based networks. Finally, to serve the needs of telecommunications companies, it is said to be Network Element Building Specification-compliant. Newbridge has also announced the addition of an integral router to its 3620 MainStreet Branch Access Controller, a single box that integrates a CSU Channel Service Unit, DSU Data Service Unit, multiplexer, router and local network hub onto a single system. This will be especially beneficial in enabling organisations to integrate Internet access into their existing network. The upgraded 3620 will also be out this year; no pricing details yet. The firm will also enhance its Newbridge Management Executive suite of management tools. Details are vague, but it says service and network management capabilities will be enhanced, focusing on packages that address issues of billing.
