Alcatel-Lucent next-generation IP services delivery system deployed in cable industry’s demonstration and development lab

Alcatel-Lucent (Euronext Paris and NYSE: ALU) and CableLabs® today announced the deployment of Alcatel-Lucent next-generation IP multimedia applications and core network technology in the CableLabs® PacketCable™ 2.0 Applications Lab, as part of a cable industry program to increase new advanced services available to cable customers.

The lab, launched in April 2007, provides a PacketCable application showcase and development test bed for the cable industry and is a venue where network equipment providers and application developers can test and demonstrate cutting-edge applications for voice, multimedia, wireless, and converged services across PacketCable 2.0 core networks from multiple suppliers. The lab will additionally be used as an interoperability test bed to help CableLabs and manufacturers prepare for PacketCable 2.0 certification.

“Support from vendors like Alcatel-Lucent is a key driver to help move the cable industry toward PacketCable 2.0 architecture interoperability and the development of truly blended, lifestyle impacting applications,” said Ed Miller, CableLabs vice president of broadband network services. ”We look forward to working with Alcatel-Lucent as we continue building the lab infrastructure and interoperability program.”

Alcatel-Lucent has provided a 3GPP-compliant (3rd Generation Partnership Project) IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) network consisting of the Alcatel-Lucent Session Manager that provides IMS session management and control and includes the functions which manage voice, data, and video communication sessions for end users. Alcatel-Lucent also supplied the Alcatel-Lucent Feature Server 5000 that offers both residential and enterprise voice applications and the Alcatel-Lucent Unified Subscriber Data Server that contains subscriber data used by IMS applications. Enhanced converged applications that improve end-user productivity and help them more effectively manage their personal communication experiences are provided by an Alcatel-Lucent Communication Manager web portal in conjunction with SIP-based clients. An Alcatel-Lucent element management system has been supplied for provisioning and management of the solution.

“Our experience and expertise as a leader in IMS and blended service delivery will play a key role in helping cable MSOs develop and deliver differentiated, customer-winning multimedia applications and services,” said John Leonard, President of Alcatel-Lucent’s IMS activities. “Our service enhancement technologies, developed by Alcatel-Lucent Bell Labs, provide added value by supporting blended services across network domains"

CableLabs is organizing formal testing events for the lab as well as making it available for participating vendors to use for development, testing and demonstrations. Additionally, the PacketCable 2.0 Application Lab and the CableLabs Development Laboratory are working together to support cross-platform broadband application development testing including digital set tops, VoIP terminals and personal computers.