Lucent And Juniper Chosen To Deploy IP/MPLS Backbone Network In Netherlands

KPN, the largest telecommunications provider in the Netherlands, has chosen Lucent Technologies and Juniper Networks to deploy a new IP/MPLS backbone network that KPN says will allow it to offer services including Ethernet, Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM), carrier's carrier VPN, and IP VPN while reducing operating costs.

The three-year agreement includes network design, equipment supply, and deployment of Juniper Networks M-and T-series routing platforms, with maintenance and support provided by Lucent Worldwide Services

The initial phase of the MPLS network, based on Juniper Networks' M320 and T640 routing platforms, will allow KPN to deliver Ethernet services to its customers throughout the Netherlands. The next phase will interconnect the IP/MPLS core network and the ATM network using ATM-over-MPLS trunking. This allows for the delivery of services with quality of service over IP/MPLS networks.

"KPN is pleased to work together with Lucent and Juniper on this ambitious project, which is unique in Europe," John van Vianen, Senior Vice President Business Unit Connectivity for KPN, said in a statement. "Lucent and KPN have worked closely together for years on new technologies. This enables KPN to provide its customers with state of the art and future proof Ethernet and MPLS services."