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Telecommunications industry

MFS Telecom Awards Contract to Alcatel Network Systems for SONET Cross Connects

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Alcatel Network Systems has been awarded a contract by MFS Telecom to deploy SONET (synchronous optical network) cross connects for MFS Telecom networks throughout North America. This strategic partnership aims to enhance the technical capabilities and performance of MFS Telecom's networks, allowing them to better manage traffic bandwidth and monitor performance. The Alcatel 1631 SX digital cross connects will be used, featuring advanced architecture and software control to ensure seamless network planning and management.

Key Takeaways:

  • MFS Telecom has awarded a contract to Alcatel Network Systems for the deployment of SONET cross connects in their North American networks.
  • The Alcatel 1631 SX digital cross connects will be deployed, offering technical capabilities and software features that meet MFS Telecom's application and service requirements.
  • The SONET cross connects will play a crucial role in managing traffic bandwidth and performance monitoring in MFS Telecom's advanced fiber optic systems.
  • The Alcatel 1631 SX features a Large Matrix Configuration (LMC), input/output density, performance monitoring capabilities, and FlexPoint technology, allowing for up to 22 permutations of asynchronous and SONET cross-connections.
  • FlexPoint technology is a critical feature, as it enables network operators to respond effectively and quickly to competition and changing service requirements by streamlining the network planning and monitoring processes.
  • The 1631 SX's advanced architecture provides assurance for carriers through simplified upgrades, smoother integration of network management, and a flexible platform to assist carriers in achieving network-wide interoperability.
  • Alcatel Network Systems designs, manufactures, and services a full line of voice, data, video, and multimedia transmission products, including ATM switching systems, digital cross connects, fiber optic transmission systems, and network management systems.
  • The parent company, Alcatel, is one of the world's leading communications equipment manufacturers, with plants in 32 countries and markets in over 125 countries.
  • MFS Telecom is an operating company of MFS Communications Company, Inc. (MFS), a leading provider of communication services for business.

Statistics:

  • MFS Telecom networks will deploy SONET cross connects in four major North American markets, with plans to announce network upgrades in other locations at a later date.
  • Alcatel 1631 SX digital cross connects will support up to 22 permutations of asynchronous and SONET cross-connections.
  • The FlexPoint feature will dynamically adjust to a network's asynchronous-to-SONET evolution and growth, allowing for efficient use of bandwidth and reduced maintenance and administrative costs.
  • The Alcatel 1631 SX features complete software control and open standard design, ensuring simplified upgrades and smoother integration of network management.
  • Alcatel Network Systems has plants in 32 countries and markets in over 125 countries.

Sources:

  • "MFS Telecom Awards Contract to Alcatel Network Systems for SONET Cross Connects" (Business Wire, June 16, 1995)
  • Alcatel Network Systems (Richardson, Texas, USA)
  • MFS Telecom (Richardson, Texas, USA)
  • MFS Communications Company, Inc. (Omaha, Nebraska, USA)
  • Alcatel (Paris, France)

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