Driven by a rapid increase in broadband subscribers and strong demands for multiple
services from broadband subscribers, carrier networks are dramatically migrating to
the next-generation network. The metro network, which effectively transports user
traffic from a variety of access networks, is evolving from a SONET/SDH-based
network to an IP-based network. To keep up with the fast-paced network evolution,
Fujitsu has developed the FLASHWAVE 4500 Multiservice Provisioning Platform (MSPP).
This paper describes the goals of the FLASHWAVE 4500 development and the features
of this platform that enable flexible adaptation to network changes. It also describes
the future enhancements that will be made to converge metro-network and layer2
functionality in this platform to make it suitable for the future next-generation optical
backbone infrastructure