10/3/2006 -- Cisco Systems Inc. last week broadened its Ethernet access stack with two new ME 3400 series models and a new ME 4924 FTTH aggregation platform designed to provide an active Ethernet-based 100+ Mbps service to the home. Cisco positions all three deliverable as part of its IP NGN product portfolio.

The new deliverables feature expanded OAM capabilities and give service providers a means to offer high value managed services. They also ship with new provisioning capabilities that are designed to reduce the time and complexity associated with deploying new services.

"The new models provide optimized solutions for service providers who are aggressively building out their Ethernet access networks," notes Glen Hunt, a principal analyst for carrier infrastructure with Current Analysis. "The two new ME 3400 models improve Ethernet access coverage in areas such multi-dwelling applications and provide an Ethernet optimized service demarcation for advanced business applications. The new ME 4924 [which is a derivative of the ME 6500] enhances Cisco's Ethernet proposition in the fiber-to-the-home [E-FTTH] segment, enabling 100 Mbps to the home with a non-blocking 10 Gig access switch."

Hunt says he thinks Cisco's announcements will have a decisive impact on the carrier Ethernet sector. "First, in the case of the ME 4924, it enables service providers to offer an active Ethernet solution in lieu of a PON solution, yielding greater bandwidth scalability, granular QoS and the flexibility and resiliency of carrier-grade Ethernet services," he points out. In addition, Hunt indicates, the availability of the ME 3400 Series in new form factors helps address multi-dwelling/tenant aggregation issues and provides a business services demarcation.

Finally, he concludes, "the new platforms coupled with the launch of the Managed Services Solution...position Cisco to offer one of the most complete and cost-effective solutions for next generation broadband services." - Stephen Swoyer