Advantech and Aricent unveil converged access solution

Gurgaon : Advantech and Aricent showcased a joint solution for secure,
converged gateways based on Intel architecture that simplifies the OEM
development of carrier-managed multi-service business gateways (MSBGs). The
combination of advanced software on an Intel EP80579 integrated processor
provides high-performance voice processing, high-speed packet processing,
simplified network management and security capabilities on a single platform.
Network equipment providers can use the integrated platform to rapidly develop
new equipment for carrier-managed business networks, enterprise branch offices
and remote offices and residences.

Aricent Converged Access Software (CAS) is a solution for unified
communications services delivery, combining SIP-based VoIP services, media
gateway functions, virtual private networking (VPN) and security, Wi-Fi access,
quality of service (QoS), LAN switching, IP routing, WAN access and remote
carrier management in a single multi-service business gateway software product.
The software enables triple play services in a heterogeneous business network
through a single multi-service broadband platform, dramatically simplifying
administration and management issues for business, office and residential
networks. Aricent CAS harnesses the power of Intel QuickAssist Technology to
integrate TDM, signal processing, packet processing and security capabilities,
creating a significant leap in the architecture of unified communication
equipment.

Aricent CAS will be available on the FWA-2310E from Advantech running on an
Intel EP80579 integrated processor with Intel QuickAssist technology. This is an
integrated Intel architecture system-on-chip (SoC) based on an Intel Pentium M
processor, memory controller and I/O controller. The low-power design
incorporates 8GB Ethernet (GbE) switch LAN ports; two GbE LAN ports for WAN and
DMZ, four ports for PCI Express and mini-PCI expandability, and two TDM ports
for voice modules. Intel accelerated DSP software eliminates the need for a
separate DSP for signal processing functions.

According to Milind Bhise, Asst VP-Products, Aricent, "Using the integrated
Intel-based platform from Advantech and Aricent, network equipment manufacturers
can quickly introduce new carrier-managed gateway products with the latest
technology and deliver innovative, cost-effective solutions."

"There is an increasing demand for low-cost systems that merge analog and
digital networks, and provide a wider range of services, such as
routing/switching, voicemail, conferencing and security, in addition to
traditional IP-PBX functionality. To support all these functions, converged
solutions must combine high-performance voice processing, packet processing and
security acceleration capabilities," said Franz Wei, VP-Business Group,
Embedded ePlatform Organization, Advantech Co.

"The Intel EP80579 integrated processor with Intel QuickAssist technology
integrates bulk encryption, hashing and public/private key generation, and TDM
acceleration into the hardware, which simplifies the design process so that
platform services companies such as Advantech are able to deliver products to
market quicker," said Nagesh Puppala, Marketing Manager-Voice and Converged
Communication, Intel. "And, using an Intel architecture-based SoC streamlines
software development, enabling companies such as Aricent to deliver compelling
MSBG solutions to their customers faster. As a result, OEMs and service
providers alike can cost-effectively bring innovative products to the market,"
he added.

The combined solution from Advantech and Aricent, based on Intel's processing
technology, was on demonstration at the Intel booth 429 during VoiceCon 2008,
November 10-13 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, CA.