Like many of today's telephone carriers, Consolidated Communications faces competition from cable multiple service operators (MSOs). But unlike many other providers, the company is being proactive. In late 2003, Consolidated Communications began network improvements necessary to support all-digital video services for select Illinois markets. "We knew the cable companies were going to get into the telephone business sooner or later and some of them have announced intentions to deploy VoIP" said Michael Lamb, Consolidated Communications network transmission engineer. "We decided to offer our new IPTV services before their VoIP takes off."

At first, Consolidated Communications network managers debated over whether to use ATM or a combination of Gigabit Ethernet over SONET and Internet Protocol (IP) technologies. But after studying the alternatives, they decided on the latter solution. "Using IP and Gigabit Ethernet over SONET is more cost effective" said Tom White, Consolidated Communications vice president of network engineering. "The cost of provisioning new services is about half of what it would cost using ATM." In addition, SONET provides carrier-class protection, including the ability to restore fiber outages in less than 50 milliseconds, Lamb noted.

Having settled on the architecture, Consolidated Communications began searching for converged transport equipment that would support Ethernet and IP video, as well as legacy voice and data offerings. "We needed a platform that would support our existing services, plus enable us to provide next generation video." Lamb said.

During the process, Consolidated Communications considered platforms from a variety of equipment vendors, but chose the Turin Networks Traverse 2000 for its flexibility, comparatively low cost, and support for both Ethernet and SONET. Designed for metro and interoffice environments, the platform unifies high capacity Gigabit Ethernet switching and next-generation SONET transport in a single, carrier-class chassis. By integrating powerful Virtual LAN (VLAN) and traffic management functions, the Traverse architecture supports broadcast, multicast, and unicast (Video on Demand) applications. The incorporation of advanced new standards such as virtual concatenation (VCAT), Link Capacity Adjustment Scheme (LCAS), and Generic Framing Procedure (GFP), also help ensure that IP-based services will be transported with ultra-low latency and jitter - an essential requirement for video - and optimal bandwidth efficiency.

The unification of transport and switching functionality for both SONET and Ethernet in the same platform helps ensure true carrier-grade resiliency and protection, while enabling a migration from a TDM-based to IP/Ethernet-based infrastructure. "The Turin platform is completely backwards compatible, so we can still turn up a DS-1 or an OC-3 connection at a cheaper cost than we ever could over our legacy SONET network." White said.

In late 2003, Consolidated Communications began phasing in the new infrastructure, first deploying 18 Traverse 2000 platforms in 15 locations in its eastern Illinois service area (Consolidated East), and then beginning installation of 19 more platforms throughout the western Illinois service area (Consolidated West).

"One of the strong points of the Traverse system is that it's easy to install." Lamb said, noting that Consolidated Communications has required only one employee to perform installation. "Basically, the installer can position the shelf, do all the wiring, commission the platform, turn it up, test it, and be finished in two days".

Subscribers now can receive more than 200 local and digital TV stations and 45 channels of CD quality music stations. Programming packages include up to 38 movie channels and five pay-per-view channels. Service includes an interactive menu accessible from an enhanced remote control. The new IPTV offering gives customers the freedom to select services from a wider number of TV providers. In addition, the new infrastructure gives Consolidated Communications the ability to compete in the converged services (voice, Internet and video) market.