More support for Ethernet's new poster child

April 20, 2007

2 Min Read
More PBT at 21CN

8:00 AM -- Love it or hate it, the new approach to Ethernet transport, Provider Backbone Transport (PBT), is here to stay and is being supported by more and more vendors. (See Avici Abandons Routing, Targets PBT.)

The latest company to add to the growing list of supporters, according to industry sources, is Fujitsu Telecommunications Europe Ltd. . (See PBT: New Kid on the Metro Block and PBT Means What?.)

This is news that can be placed in the "Totally Expected" file, but it's worth noting all the same.

The reason it's no surprise is that FTEL (as it's known) is one of the preferred vendors supplying MSAN (multiservice access node) gear for 21CN, BT Group plc (NYSE: BT; London: BTA)'s next-generation network. (See BT Aims to Finish 21CN in Late 2011.)

BT is a big fan of PBT, and, having already placed orders for PBT switches, wants its other 21CN vendors to support the point-to-point Ethernet transport technology. (See BT Pressures Vendors Over PBT and Nortel, Siemens Win PBT Deals at BT.)

Other 21CN suppliers such as Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd. , the other MSAN vendor, have already declared their support for PBT. (See Huawei Joins PBT Fan Club.)

But, unlike Huawei, FTEL has decided not to lay its PBT cards on the table and has declined, very politely, to comment. However, EuroBlog has confirmation from a very reliable source that PBT capabilities are being built into FTEL's MSAN platform.

Other sources across the Big Pond have also told Light Reading that Fujitsu Ltd. (Tokyo: 6702; London: FUJ; OTC: FJTSY) has PBT on its roadmap for North America, too. (See Will Fujitsu Join PBT Parade?.)

That's a situation worth keeping an eye on, as BT is currently PBT's major backer. Signs of support for PBT in North America would really light a fire under the NGN equipment market.

— Ray Le Maistre, Disruptive Technologies Editor, Light Reading

Interested in learning more on this topic? Then come to Ethernet Expo: Europe 2007, a conference and exhibition that will explore major carrier Ethernet networking and service trends. To be staged in London, on May 2 & 3, admission is free for attendees meeting our prequalification criteria. For more information, or to register, click here.

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