Press Release: Philips Broadband

Philips Introduces a Universal, Multi-functional, Managed Telecommunications Network Transition Platform

Operators can implement this new nodal platform along with its element management control into any architecture to optimize reliability, maximize capacity and increase revenue growth

ATLANTA, Ga., November 18, 1999—Philips Broadband Networks introduces Transport Integration in Advanced Routing and Return Applications (TIARRA), its new multi-functional, universal network platform designed with integrated element management system (EMS) compatibility. The platform improves performance and flexibility through its modularity across many network variations, and is an integral component in the SpectraHub™ architecture. An advanced EMS functionality monitors, manages and controls network elements using open standards.

A powerful platform that can change with technology and network traffic

The TIARRA platform is a multi-functional, modular platform that offers advanced features and functions that can grow as you grow. It is designed with technology advances in mind and modular to easily adapt as network or traffic changes.

The TIARRA RF platform is configurable with various amplification technologies, including galium arsenide which improves performance with increased output levels.

A patented analog to digital converter and an ITU channel/DFB laser module process the return RF bandwidth into a binary data bit stream on a specified optical ITU channel. Combining up to eight returns with dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) maximizes fiber use, creating passive processing while increasing distance. The narrowcast and DWDM capabilities increase forward bandwidth digital capability to the end user.

"The TIARRA platform is a universal platform designed for maximizing functionality under multiple uses," says Gordie McMillen, product manager for nodes. "Philips' proven reliability assures you can build a network around a modular platform that will position any deployment for the future. TIARRA can be configured to meet any architectural requirements at a moderate price. Its use in the SpectraHub architecture further decreases active hub components to a nearly passive processing location. It increases forward bandwidth with its dual receiver narrowcast methodology and reverse bandwidth through the use of the analog to digital ITU transmission. Our development strives to lower the cost per homes passed and provision a platform for the future to meet the operator's increased revenue growth."

A platform designed with EMS capabilities

Through partnerships with industry-leading EMS software providers, the TIARRA platform also offers EMS capabilities that allow operators to monitor, control and manage other network aspects.

TIERRA's first EMS capability is node management, with features allowing operators:

• To use open Society for Cable Telecommunications Engineers (SCTE) or legacy proprietary standards
• To manage and control nodes with any SCTE-compliant software
• Not only to monitor, but also manage the return path
• To manage a preventative maintenance program
• To provide greater system reliability
• To manage the entire system from one single location to minimize support costs

"With TIARRA's node management, operators can realize substantially lower costs to monitor and control a node—up to 75% per node," says Bob Oakley, product line manager for EMS. "Lower costs come from including node management in the TIARRA platform design as opposed to retrofitting. Cost savings make it more affordable to manage more deeply into the network."

Adds Oakley, "TIARRA's EMS node management not only allows you to take a look at the network but also gives you the ability to protect revenue services. We've designed tools that allow you to effectively manage risk and focus on revenue products."

TIARRA and its element management systems offer affordable, reliable solutions for meeting changing technology and traffic requirements, optimally delivering services to customers and increasing the ability to realize full revenue potential.

About Philips

Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands is one of the world's biggest electronics companies and Europe's largest, with sales of US$33.9 billion in 1998. It is a global leader in color television sets, lighting, electric shavers, color picture tubes for televisions and monitors, and one-chip TV products. Its 233,700 employees in more than 60 countries are active in the areas of lighting, consumer electronics, domestic appliances, components, semiconductors, medical systems, business electronics and IT services (Origin). Philips is quoted on the NYSE, London, Frankfurt, Amsterdam and other stock exchanges...