Multiservice Access Concentrator

Memotec Communications' CX2000 is desgined to support networks that need increased processing power and handle converged voice and data. It has up to 160 serial ports, up to 360 digital voice channels, and up to 62 analog voice ports.

by Wayne Kawamoto [January 31, 2001]

Memotec Communications announced the launch of the newest addition in its CX Series—the CX2000. Targeted at the corporate and carrier markets, the CX2000 is a multiservice access concentrator that's designed for a network's central site that may require increased processing power and converged voice and data.

Memotec says that a key feature of the CX2000 is its high port density. The CX2000 is supposed to have the capacity to handle up to 160 serial ports, up to 360 digital voice channels, and up to 62 analog voice ports. It also has a cascadable chassis, so up to three other units may be connected in a series if even more capacity is required.

Regardless of the amount of voice and data traffic—or whether it originates from wireless devices, telephones, faxes, or the Internet, Memotec claims that its CX2000 has the capacity to easily handle large volumes of network traffic

According to Memotec, the CX2000, as a central site solution, is bigger, faster and can handle more traffic. Also, Memotec's common software platform may allow the CX2000 to provide any-to-any connectivity, which can ensure suitability for existing or future networking requirements—no matter what language is spoken.

The CX2000 is also designed to support redundancy of all critical elements and its central processing unit (CPU) modules are hot swappable. Redundancy should ensure that power is re-routed to the back up external power supply or internally, to the back up internal switch. Similarly, the unit does not have to be turned off to replace CPU modules; this can be done while it is still running. With this in mind, the CX2000 was also designed to support maximum network uptime.

"Emerging customer requirements will require ISPs to face several key issues including lack of IP-based QoS, access line capacity, delivery of voice services, and the migration of customer's legacy traffic," says Mark Silverman, president and COO of Memotec Communications Inc. "The CX2000 enables ISPs to deliver these services with assured standards-based QoS, widening their market for customers and giving them competitive advantages over slower moving entrenched competition. Moreover, with the CX2000's increased voice channel capacity and any-to-any platform capability, ISPs can enjoy the benefits convergence brings in terms of increased customer retention and revenues, as well as the convenience of a single solution."

"Many of our customers don't want or need to upgrade their entire network in order to satisfy the demands placed on it or to change to a new technology. It's too costly and in most cases all they really need is a more powerful access device," says Frank Semeraro, product manager. "With its available port capacity, scalability, interoperability and the variety of protocols it supports, the CX2000 saves time and money—not to mention networking headaches."

"The CX2000 responds to the need for greater capacity and the convergence of voice and data in today's networks," adds Silverman. "Moreover, it can provide these things using an organization's existing network infrastructure, whether it be legacy-based or IP-based technology."

Availability and pricing
The CX2000 is available for order and shipping now. Depending on the configuration of the product, the CX2000 can range between $15,000 and $150,000+.

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