Broadband Briefs for 2/28/08

* AT&T intros Business in a Box for SMBs
By Traci Patterson

AT&T Inc. [1] has introduced its AT&T Business in a Box [2] service, which converges voice, Internet and data communications over a single network connection and device for small- and mid-size businesses (SMBs).

AT&T Business in a Box enables the migration from traditional analog to VoIP solutions, and it addresses the complexity and interoperability challenges of SMBs by delivering a converged network endpoint.

The new service features a device equipped with all necessary data ports and connectors and delivers: VoIP functionality through AT&T Voice DNA, Internet access routing with built-in firewall protection, VPN capabilities, Wi-Fi data access capabilities and LAN connectivity with Power-Over-Ethernet (PoE) connections.

* Wegener’s video solution a match for ViaSat’s VSAT networks
By Traci Patterson

Wegener Corp.’s [3] video overlay solution is now compatible with ViaSat’s [4] VSAT networks, which provide bandwidth-efficient solutions for distributing interactive IP data.

Using standard ViaSat LinkStar uplink and downlink equipment, Wegener demonstrated the addition of live high-definition (HD) and standard-definition (SD) video streams to a VSAT network traditionally used to transmit data files. Artifact-free video was successfully decoded by the Wegener SMD 515 IPTV set-top box (STB), the company said.

ViaSat’s VSAT products include hub-based IP data access systems for building enterprise or service provider networks, and mesh and hybrid architecture products for extending networks to locations not served by terrestrial alternatives.

* Brix, Harris Stratex ink reseller agreement
By Traci Patterson

Brix Networks [5] has announced a worldwide reseller agreement with Harris Stratex Networks [6], an independent supplier of turnkey wireless transmission and service assurance solutions.

Harris Stratex is reselling Brix Networks' product portfolio worldwide as part of its NetBoss network management offering. NetBoss is a provider of scalable service assurance solutions and services that span resource, network and service management, as well as OSS design, deployment and remote monitoring.

The two companies have also integrated Brix Networks’ BrixWorx analysis and correlation software engine with the NetBoss product suite, which allows for IP service and network performance visibility, comprehensive network management, service impact analysis and automated service-level agreement (SLA) capabilities.

More Broadband Direct:

• New subs drive Cablevision’s Q4 profits [7] 

• Sprint reports continued loss of subs, revenue in Q4 [8] 

• Cable broadband aggregation equipment sales increase in Q4 [9] 

• Verizon announces $200M network expansion in Mass. [10] 

• Liberty Media completes deal for control of DirecTV [11] 

• Nortel cutting 2,100 jobs [12] 

• Broadband Briefs for 2/28/08 [13]