These are not your grandmother’s communications systems, those that each day are replacing antiquated TDM platforms. No, these new IP networking solutions are similar to their predecessors only in that they enable real-time voice communications.

 

Today’s IP Communications solutions offer significantly more, from call control to mobility to multimedia communications to messaging to business process integration, and more. Today, a company’s communication platform is part of its business process, not just a telephony solution.

 

But the various applications and multimedia traffic that reside on next generation IP networks are, despite the developments in networking technology, a potential impediment to the highest levels of network service and availability. The sheer volume of various forms of communication can create a traffic jam, which can prove disastrous for service providers.

 

To ensure it can continue to provide optimal performance and availability, along with the latest applications and services, XO Communications (News - Alert) has said it will now seek to significantly expand its IP/MPLS network capacity using Cisco (News - Alert) architecture. The combination of a growing range of services that includes high-speed dedicated Internet access, IP transit, IP-VPN, and VoIP services for businesses, large enterprises and service providers, as well as a growing customer base, has created this need for an upgrade. .

 

“Our goal is to deliver the most advanced network infrastructure,” said Randy Nicklas, CTO at XO Communications.  “By investing in our IP network with the latest technology, we can respond quickly to the increased demand we are seeing for more bandwidth and continue to pursue new opportunities that will drive revenue with an improved cost basis.”

 

XO says with the upgrade to Cisco’s CRS-1 Carrier Routing System in its network core, it will increase its network capacity by more than 100 percent, as well as lay the foundation for a quadrupling of capacity and scaling to a multi-terabit capable router complex. In addition to enabling reliable and secure delivery of next generation services, the cost-effective CRS-1 platform will also help reduce opex — and cutting costs is always at the top of any executives agenda.

 

XO’s network is built to service cable companies, content providers, enterprises, international telecoms, as well as other service providers, providing them robust, scalable networking solutions so that they have access to the latest applications and services without fear of service degradation. 

 

XO also recently upgraded its longhaul transport network, adding 800 Gbps of capacity in core XO long-haul network nodes on major coast-to-coast network routes. With this expansion, it will also be able to provide an increased range of transport services — including Ethernet, private line and wavelength services.