Cutting cost and complexity is a priority in every part of the mobile network, not just the access portion, and the Juniper/NSN joint venture, Carrier Ethernet Solutions, is addressing the issue with two new switches.
The JV, formed in June 2009, has unveiled the second generation of its Carrier Ethernet Transport (CET) family, targeting mobile backhaul and fixed operators. It consists of two new Ethernet access switches.
The main goals are to reduce opex and simplify the network, said the company, to help carriers bring new services to market more quickly. CET 2.0 is described as "a step towards fully integrated and managed end-to-end Carrier Ethernet Transport".
Dror Nemirovsky, head of NSN's packet networks business, commented in a statement: "Service providers worldwide are facing huge pressure to balance capacity and cost in their networks. Our joint solution is significantly lowering cost and simplifying the overall service management for Carrier Ethernet."
The joint venture is based in The Netherlands and was established to combine NSN switches with Juniper's heavy duty Ethernet routers, targeting mobile backhaul, plus business and residential broadband. The companies have a combined Carrier Ethernet customer base of around 200 operators.
However, last June some doubts were cast over the solidity of the venture, when NSN announced a strategic alliance with Cisco on the microwave side of its backhaul business.
This deal, which many believe will be the start of a more broad ranging partnership, integrates NSN's FlexiPacket Microwave system with cell site and aggregation routers from Cisco to create a high capacity, all-IP platform for sale by either vendor.
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Juniper/NSN venture extends Carrier Ethernet platform