Redback Networks Introduces PSTN Off-Load Architecture for Efficient Internet Access

Strategic Insights -

Redback Networks, a leading provider of advanced networking solutions, has announced a new network model for its Subscriber Management System (SMS) that enables carriers to transparently reroute dial-based Internet access traffic from local Central Offices (COs) to downstream Internet service provider (ISP) points-of-presence (POPs). This PSTN Off-load architecture provides a highly cost-effective, secure, and scalable means for carriers to accommodate the rapidly increasing tide of Internet access consumers without overburdening voice circuits on the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN).

Key Takeaways:

  • The PSTN Off-load architecture allows carriers to reroute dial-based Internet access traffic from local COs to downstream ISP POPs, freeing up capacity on the PSTN for lucrative voice calls.
  • The new feature provides a highly cost-effective, secure, and scalable means for carriers to accommodate the rapidly increasing tide of Internet access consumers.
  • Redback's PSTN Off-load architecture allows ISPs to outsource modem management to carriers, increasing overall network efficiency while reducing their maintenance overhead.
  • For end users, PSTN Off-load makes Internet access easier by reducing congestion that can thwart successful sign-on to ISP networks.
  • modems to support approximately 200 modems using PSTN Off-load, versus 24 modems under the existing model.
  • The monthly access bandwidth cost per modem drops dramatically with PSTN Off-load, making Internet access more cost-effective for ISPs.
  • The SMS can support as many as 8000 user sessions per DS3, improving bandwidth utilization.
  • PSTN Off-load alleviates common problems faced by Internet access consumers, such as hold time and log-on issues.
  • The PSTN Off-load functionality is available today for Redback customers using AOS version 2.2 or later.
  • PSTN Off-load functionality requires Redback's L2TP software feature set, priced at $9,995 for the SMS 1000 and $4,995 for the SMS 500.

Statistics:

  • PSTN Off-load allows carriers to support approximately 200 modems using PSTN Off-load, versus 24 modems under the existing model.
  • The monthly access bandwidth cost per modem drops dramatically with PSTN Off-load, making Internet access more cost-effective for ISPs.
  • The SMS can support as many as 8000 user sessions per DS3.

Sources:

  • "Redback's PSTN Off-load Architecture Creates Significant Benefits for Carriers, Service Providers, and Internet Users" (Business Wire, Oct. 26, 1999)
  • Redback Networks Inc. (Nasdaq:RBAK) announcement (Oct. 26, 1999)
  • "The PSTN Offload architecture is a natural extension of the SMS's scalable support for broadband access" (Larry Blair, Vice President of Marketing at Redback Networks)
  • "oz.net decided to implement Redback's PSTN Off-load solution to both lower our costs and improve the quality of our dialup Internet service" (Jared Reimer, Network Administrator at oz.net Internet Services)
  • "01 Communications is taking an innovative approach to supplying outsourced modem resources in California" (Max Seely, Senior Vice President/General Manager at 01 Communications)