Perhaps you're wondering exactly what is driving Nextep's acclaimed 'intelligent connections'?
Well behind the scenes, Nextep typically relies on the discreet broadband network of its parent company NEC. This family tie helps keep Nextep at the forefront of world's best practice broadband applications such as SIP and IMS, and lets us implement them quickly in a highly competitive environment.
Nextep's network architecture consists of central nodes and distributed hubs that are connected using standards based asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) and GigE (Gigabit Ethernet) technologies. Each of the central nodes are connected via redundant transmission paths thus providing a highly reliable and QoS enabled platform to support the full range of broadband access and value-added services.
A central node is located in each state and provides an aggregation point for a full range of broadband access technologies including:
- Business Grade ADSL, ADSL2+ and SHDSL services.
- High Speed Fibre Ethernet
- Transmission Tails
- Wireless (Fixed and Mobile)
- Low Speed Dialup (ISDN/POTS)
Ethernet/ATM capable data switches are located in the central node and aggregate these access services and terminate them onto the network dependent on the types of value added services required including secure L2 TLAN networks, IP VPN’s, high speed internet access & VoIP access. The node sites also provide an interconnect point where channel partners can connect to the network via Ethernet or ATM access methods.
Deployment of carrier grade switching and routing platforms ensure industry leading high-uptime performance levels along with high configurable service guarantee options, which allows single point-to-point connections between nominated locations.
ATM Backbone Core Network
The Nextep ATM backbone network is carried on the Cisco MGX® 8850 Advanced ATM Multi-service switch. Based on an industry leading extensible architecture, the Cisco MGX 8850 provides a carrier-grade, highly scalable core switching platform to support the full range of Nextep’s business grade products and applications.
A full range of Layer 2 ATM configuration options including CBR, VBR & ABR and Quality of Service (QoS) allow flexible service differentiation through the core and edge ATM switches. The network also allows transparent carriage of a range of access technologies including IP, Ethernet & legacy TDM technologies.
Ethernet Switch Network
The Nextep GigE switched network is carried on the Redback SmartEdge® 800 Series Switch/Router platform. It leads the industry as the most advanced and comprehensive core and edge routing/switching platform available. The switch provides a number of key functions including GigE switching, ATM to ethernet conversions, interstate backhaul termination and carriage of IPVPN services nationally.
This is an outline of the hardware and systems that help Nextep deliver smart tools like broadband internet, Virtual Private Networks and VoIP. To find out more about our specific products and how they can benefit your business or organisation, go to the Our Products section of our site.