Edge briefs

The MPLS Forum announced the approval of an MPLS permanent virtual circuit User-to-Network Interface (UNI) implementation agreement. The MPLS PVC UNI will extend MPLS beyond its traditional use in the core of an IP network out to the customer edge, the f

• The MPLS Forum announced the approval of an MPLS  permanent virtual circuit User-to-Network Interface implementation agreement. The MPLS PVC UNI will extend MPLS beyond its traditional use in the core of an IP network out to the customer edge, the forum says. The MPLS PVC UNI provides an industry standard interface to a public network offering services via provisioned MPLS Label Switched Path connections. The MPLS PVC UNI uses existing protocols as a signaling basis and enhances them to provide quality-of-service characteristics, the forum says. The MPLS PVC UNI also includes a Layer 3 VPN “annex” to provide public access to RFC 2547 VPN services using provisioned LSPs.

  The MPLS PVC UNI builds on the frame relay and ATM PVC UNIs, and enables static or automatic configuration of subscriber equipment from the provider network. The MPLS Forum is continuing work on mechanisms for additional services to be offered over the UNI.

• Multiservice switch vendor Vivace Networks announced the expansion of its operations in the U.S. and overseas.

  Vivace says it will increase head count in its sales, business development and customer support departments domestically and open new offices in Europe and Asia during the fourth quarter. The expansion is based on current global demand for its multiservice switch product line, Vivace says. The company is fully funded through 2003.