PrimaCom Deploys Cisco Gear

MAINZ, Germany -- Cisco Systems today announced that PrimaCom AG, one of Germany's leading cable operators, is deploying a Metro Optical backbone network from Cisco to support the delivery of a new generation of digital interactive TV, video and internet services to residential customers. In order to optimise its operational expenditure, PrimaCom injects video from a centralised digital headend and video play out centre and is deploying a Metro Optical backbone using the Cisco ONS 15454 Multiservice Provisioning Platform (MSPP) to distribute traditional broadcast TV, interactive digital TV, video on demand, voice and Internet access services. The Cisco ONS 15454 MSPP is being implemented to help enable the Metro transport of these services from PrimaCom's central data centre to its regional cable networks. PrimaCom will gradually migrate its existing optical backbone installation in favour of the Cisco technology. "The ability to integrate SDH/SONET, Ethernet and Video services - together with the overall scalability of the Cisco solution - was a key factor behind our selection," said Thomas Eibeck, technical director at PrimaCom. "In addition, Cisco Transport Manager offers us seamless manageability of these services." Eibeck added: "Having 'drop and continue' functionality on the ONS 15454 MSPP Video distribution services has also enabled us to deploy an entry-level solution using a single pair of fibres. Overall, the Cisco solution has provided PrimaCom with an excellent return on investment." Cisco Systems Inc. PrimaCom AG