The SM 480 will give operators a low-cost platform for fixed and mobile convergence, giving operators an incentive to jumpstart their network consolidation. It also has unique and reliable features when it comes to delivering high quality video and advanced broadband services. End users will benefit from much faster broadband services.
 

The SM 480 addresses a billion-dollar wholesale broadband market, with innovative Layer 2 subscriber management. The smart Ethernet switch allows incumbent telephone operators to manage several Internet Service Providers at a much lower cost than traditional multi-service routers.
 

Steve Murray, vice president of product management at Redback Networks, says: “Operators are eager for a solution that combines Redback’s IP-over-Ethernet innovation with Ericsson’s mobile expertise.”
 

Since the acquisition in January 2007, Ericsson and Redback Networks have had more than 100 joint carrier wins in 55 countries. About 40 percent of the wins have been in Asia.
 

“The SM 480 will attract a global market with features that simplify network architectures, lower operational costs and support the trends toward converged networks,” Murray says. “But the biggest market for this product is currently in Asia because carriers there are accelerating their mobile and fixed networks convergence, driving network consolidation using IP.”
 

Murray adds that the smart Ethernet switch is also beneficial to the enterprise market.
 

“Businesses also benefit from the unification of fixed and mobile networks,” he says. “This new product will help carriers unify communications for business customers over time.”
 

SM 480 will be integrated into Ericsson’s fixed and mobile broadband solutions, including LTE. It helps fulfil Ericsson’s vision for a single platform for fixed and mobile networks, giving carriers the tools they need to deliver full-service broadband.