Cablelabs Launches Showcase Lab For Packetcable 2.0 Applications
Louisville, CO - CableLabs announced recently the launch of the PacketCable 2.0 Applications Lab at its facilities here, with the successful installation of an Ericsson IMS (Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem) core network, Cedar Point Voice Application Server, and SIP voice User Endpoints.
The lab will provide a PacketCable application showcase and development test bed for the cable industry - 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 activities.
Ericsson and Cedar Point are the first manufacturers to provide equipment and successfully demonstrate IMS-based application interoperability in the newly launched lab. Several other vendors' core networks and applications servers are expected to be added in coming months. The initial application Ericsson and Cedar Point have demonstrated is SIP-based telephony using the Cedar Point Applications Server connected to the Ericsson IMS core network.
"CableLabs genuinely appreciates Ericsson's and Cedar Point's support for the lab and commitment to PacketCable 2.0 interoperability and application development," said Ed Miller, CableLabs VP of Advanced Network Services. "We look forward to working with these suppliers and others as we continue building the lab infrastructure and interoperability program."
Chris Bowick, Cox's Chief Technology Officer, said: "PacketCable 2.0 is a key element of the cable industry's technology roadmap. The PacketCable Applications Lab will provide a valuable resource for the industry as we develop, test, and deploy next-generation converged applications."
Angel Ruiz, CEO of Ericsson, North America, said: "We are very excited to be working with CableLabs and the cable operators on this initiative. The Lab will play a major role in identifying key applications and extending the power of anywhere, anytime multi-media via IMS throughout the cable network."
"Cable has ambitiously embraced the dual challenge of researching mobile services at the same time that it continues to accelerate voice deployments," said Dave Spear, executive vice president, strategy and market development for Cedar Point Communications. "We're pleased to be a part of this project, and to be working with the industry to deploy solutions that seamlessly support both today's voice needs and multimedia applications of the future."
CableLabs plans to organize formal testing events for the lab as well as to make it available on an ongoing basis for participating vendors to use as a development and testing resource. Additionally, the PacketCable 2.0 Application Lab and the CableLabs Development Laboratory can work together to support cross-platform broadband application development testing including digital set tops, VoIP terminals and personal computers.
About PacketCable 2.0
PacketCable 2.0 is an architecture and set of specifications developed by CableLabs, cable operators, and leading communications equipment vendors that extends cable's VoIP platform's capabilities beyond basic telephony in support of new services such as wireless, fixed-mobile convergence, business communications, video communications, and cross-platform features. The development of this foundation will fulfill the industry's vision of having an IP-services delivery platform that allows cable operators to rapidly innovate new services in a cost-effective manner.
For more information, you can visit: www.cablelabs.com
SOURCE: CableLabs