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Proof-of-Concept with Cisco and Jetstream Communications Delivers Voice and Data Access Over DSL-Enabled Standard Phone Line

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

In a groundbreaking test, Rhythms NetConnections Inc. and MCI WorldCom, in collaboration with Cisco and Jetstream Communications, successfully demonstrated the capability to deliver high-quality voice and high-speed data communication over a DSL-enabled copper phone line in New York City. This achievement marks a significant milestone in the development of next-generation DSL networking solutions, offering integrated voice, data, and Internet access and applications. The test demonstrates the feasibility of using Jetstream's enhanced CPX-1000 gateway to handle local voice and data access over DSL, paving the way for leading-edge companies like Rhythms and MCI WorldCom to expand their market penetration and generate additional revenue.

Key Takeaways:

  • The proof-of-concept test was conducted in New York City, utilizing Rhythms' DSL network and MCI WorldCom's Class 5 PSTN switch.
  • The test successfully demonstrated simultaneous delivery of phone calls and Internet access over a single DSL line, with a telephone connected to an analog voice port on a Jetstream Integrated Access Device (IAD) and a PC connected to an Ethernet port on the IAD.
  • The Jetstream IAD was connected via a Cisco 6100 DSL Access Concentrator to Rhythms' DSL network, and voice calls were transported via Cisco's 8650 BPX IP+ATM switches, through Jetstream's CPX-1000 voice gateway interface with MCI WorldCom's Class 5 PSTN switch over MCI WorldCom's ATM network.
  • Data traffic was transported to the Internet and also could be directed to a corporate LAN.
  • The test demonstrates the potential of voice and data over DSL to address the needs of corporations with remote workers and branch offices.
  • The solution offers advantages such as always-on high-speed remote access, multiple local access phone connections over a single copper twisted-pair line, and bandwidth on demand.
  • Jetstream's CPX-1000 large-scale voice gateway and IADs support ATM-based DSLAMs, such as the Cisco 6100 Series, which are widely deployed throughout Rhythms' network.
  • The partnership between Rhythms and MCI WorldCom, announced in January, aims to develop services that would give customers the cost efficiencies inherent in DSL technology for a wide range of critical networking applications.

Statistics:

  • The test was completed in Englewood, Colorado, on June 4, 1998.
  • Rhythms provides managed network services for business users, based on "always on," high-speed DSL access via local connections ranging in speeds from 128 kbps to 7.1 Mbps.
  • Pricing for customers is based on integrated pricing for leased, fully managed networks and includes configuration, installation, equipment, and network management.
  • The acquisition price for customers is generally 30 to 50 percent less than other high-speed services.
  • Rhythms' network design requires no equipment purchase by the user and optimizes both local and wide area network capacities.
  • MCI WorldCom has 1998 revenues of more than $30 billion and established operations in over 65 countries.

Sources:

  • Rhythms NetConnections Inc. (Nasdaq: RTHM)
  • MCI WorldCom (Nasdaq: WCOM)
  • Cisco Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq: CSCO)
  • Jetstream Communications Inc.
  • PRNewswire (June 4, 1998)
  • Rhythms NetConnections Inc. (http://www.rhythms.net)
  • MCI WorldCom (http://www.wcom.com)

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