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Nortel Achieves First UMTS using IP-based UTRAN
October 23, 2002
First 3GPP Calls Using Optical Ethernet Access Network Demonstrated
by Nortel Networks
Nortel Networks has demonstrated the world's first UMTS calls using
an IP-based UTRAN (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS)
Terrestrial Radio Access Network).
IP-based UTRAN capabilities can give operators more flexibility
in routing wireless traffic, create Wireless Data Network efficiencies
that drive down the cost of delivering traffic, and simplify provisioning
and management of UTMS radio equipment - particularly in areas of
high demand. Traditional wireless networks and previous UMTS demonstrations
have used ATM as the terrestrial transport protocol.
The transmissions were made across a live, end-to-end UMTS network
using form factor handsets and an IP backbone based on Nortel Networks
Optical Ethernet equipment. The demonstration was provided at Nortel
Networks Global Technology Center in Ottawa as part of Nortel Networks
2002 GSM/UMTS User Forum on October 17, 2002. The forum attracted
more than 80 participants from customers across the globe.
"This approach should give operators the flexibility to migrate
directly to IP in areas where capacity dictates, while meeting the
critical need to protect their existing network investments," said
Frédéric Manceron, vice chairman of Nortel Networks GSM/UMTS User
Group. "Nortel Networks track record in deploying carrier-grade
Wireless Data Networks across all major access technologies is an
important factor in creating a high level of operator confidence
for these types of advanced wireless technologies." The live IP
calls demonstrated to operators that Nortel Networks UTRAN solutions
can enable more cost effective transmission protocol for their traffic
requirements. As voice and data traffic over UMTS networks increases,
operators will need the flexibility to choose the most effective
transport method, particularly in areas of high demand for wireless
traffic.
"This once again highlights Nortel Networks leadership in UMTS,
based on our pedigree in CDMA, carrier data networks and optical
networking," said Alain Biston, president and general manager, UMTS,
Nortel Networks. "We are constantly working to improve our customers'
return on investment. The feedback we received at the user forum
illustrates that operators are interested in evolving their initial
UMTS deployment to all IP with minimum investment."
While ATM remains a highly-viable solution for low capacity areas
and where high-capacity Ethernet is unavailable, it is important
to provide the ability to manage both ATM and IP transport solutions
within the same UTRAN network architecture. Nortel Networks Univity*
portfolio provided the UMTS infrastructure used to demonstrate the
IP UTRAN calls, including Nortel Networks Univity Internet Base
Station Transceiver Station (iBTS) and Univity Radio Network Controller
(RNC) products. Nortel Networks UTRAN portfolio is ATM- and IP-ready
and requires only a single card upgrade to enable IP.
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