Wednesday, 21 June 2006

Juniper Supports WSI for Multiservice Cable Networks

Juniper Networks' Service Deployment System (SDX-300) now supports CableLabs new PacketCable Multimedia Web Services Interface (WSI) specification. The WSI provides an open interface between application servers and PacketCable Multimedia-compliant application managers, which the company claims will enable applications to dynamically request resources on a cable providers’ network. "By tightly integrating the applications with the IP networks that support them, cable operators can create a range of new, customizable services that increase average revenue per user and increase customer loyalty", according to Juniper.

How does WSI work? Triggered by an end-user request, the Application Server will use the Web Services Interface to signal Juniper Networks SDX-300. The SDX-300 would then send policies across the entire network, from core IP network to the set-top box, to perform the requested action: increase bandwidth, shift bandwidth between applications, or improve the quality of service for a given amount of time. Potential applications could include a “turbo” button for faster downloads, increased bandwidth for high-definition video on demand, or superior quality of service for an online gaming session.

Support for the Web Services Interface is expected to add more thrust to Juniper’s Open IPTV and Multiplay Initiative. The Web Services Interface provides a standards-based mechanism for extending the concepts outlined in the Open IPTV and Multiplay Initiative to multi-vendor cable networks, and enables application developers to create new applications without requiring in-depth knowledge of cable network technology, said a Juniper spokesperson.