Harris Corp. and Simpler Networks to Provide Automated DSL Provisioning Solution Through Interoperability Agreement
CAMARILLO, Calif. --(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Jan. 12, 2001 -- Harris Corp., an industry leader in telecommunications testing solutions, today announced that it has entered into an interoperability agreement with Montreal-based Simpler Networks.
The agreement ensures the interoperability of Harris remote test heads with Simpler Networks' cross-connect matrix, providing customers with a completely automated DSL provisioning solution.
Harris Remote Test Units (RTUs) will provide physical layer testing with DSL prequalification capabilities, and Simpler Networks' SmartLoop(TM) 1600 will supply any-to-any nonblocking cross-connect functionality for up to 1,600 copper pairs.
"The biggest hurdle in the creation of a completely automated provisioning process is what's known as the last mile, the physical copper loop extending from the telephone central office to the customer premises," said Bill Martin, vice president, Account Management, for Simpler Networks. "By ensuring that the SmartLoop(TM) 1600 is seamlessly compatible with Harris RTUs, we enable our customers to automate every step of the deployment process, from prequalification to service level assurance."
The agreement allows both incumbent and competitive local exchange carriers(ILECs and CLECs) to save time and money by drastically reducing the number of manual dispatches required to prequalify, provision, maintain and trouble-shoot copper telephone lines for use in deploying advanced services, including DSL.
The physical layer testing provided by Harris RTUs allows service providers to pinpoint the location and nature of problems within the copper loop itself, while Simpler Networks' SmartLoop(TM) 1600 allows circuits to be cross-connected, disconnected and moved freely countless times without manually rearranging circuit connections.
The resulting combination of products allows service providers to find and correct problems without customers even being aware that there was anything wrong with their service.
"If mass-market deployment of DSL is going to become a reality, service providers will have to be able to offer more timely deployment schedules," said Greg Bublitz, business unit leader of Access Test and Management solutions for Harris Corp.'s Network Support Division.
"The only way to do this is to implement a remote provisioning process which addresses every step of the deployment schedule. This interoperability agreement allows both Harris and Simpler Networks to focus on their core competencies while allowing both ILECs and CLECs to guarantee a consistent, quality service to the end user."
Harris Corp. is enabling the emerging applications of the telecommunications industry by striving for seamless integration with many access product and DSL access multiplexer (DSLAM) vendors.
Harris' Network Support Division (NSD) delivers solutions to public and private communications service providers around the world. NSD's solutions focus on the needs of operations, maintenance and installation professionals in deregulated telecommunications markets worldwide, by providing next-level line test and network management systems, as well as test sets and tools.
Harris Corp.
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Established in April 1999, Montreal-based start-up Simpler Networks is a privately owned communications equipment company that develops, manufactures and markets a broadband loop management system (LMS) featuring the world's first Automated Distribution Frame (ADF).
Simpler Networks' SmartLoop(TM) 1600 consists of a true any-to-any, nonblocking switching matrix made up of more than 70,000 micro-relays in the world's highest-density solution for cross-connect systems.
Simpler Networks' LMS breaks down the last hurdle to flow-through provisioning, allowing service providers to deploy and manage next-generation digital services faster than any other loop management system available today.