The IP core element of the Cable & Wireless NGN provides the underlying connectivity and resilience required for carrying high capacity IP traffic across the entire network.
Cable & Wireless will deploy 15 Cisco® CRS-1 Carrier Routing System routers throughout the UK network, each equipped with Cisco's new carrier grade internet operating system, Cisco IOS® XR software.
The Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS)-enabled infrastructure utilises an advanced engineering capability to allow Cable & Wireless to meet ever more stringent customer service levels and performance thresholds. This will enable the next stage in broadband and IP technology innovation, including support for carrying voice, video and data services on a single, or converged, network.
Frank Mount, group chief technology officer, Cable & Wireless, said: "Cable & Wireless is leading the transformation of the UK telecom industry by driving the continuing growth in newly provisioned customer services, including higher speed broadband and advanced IP services for residential and business applications. Cisco provided outstanding support to complete the first phase installation of CRS-1 routers to meet our go live date for the network."
Mike Volpi, senior vice president, routing technology, Cisco Systems: "With Cable & Wireless' strong commitment to the global telecommunications industry extending to the consumer broadband services market, it is more critical than ever to have the right foundation to support growth in new voice, video and data services. We are pleased that Cable & Wireless has selected Cisco CRS-1 for the core of its Next Generation Network transformation and look forward to working to support its progressive network development."
Further tenders for other key elements of the network, including optical network and voice over IP infrastructure, will be issued in due course. Cable & Wireless announced its Next Generation Network plan on 20 April 2005.