[Updated Jun. 9, 2005] — Intel has announced three “second-generation AdvancedTCA” blades targeting IMS (IP multimedia subsystem) applications, at SuperComm this week in Chicago. The NetStructure MPCBL0010 SBC (single-board computer), IXB28504xGbEFS Secure Packet Processing Blade, and MPCMM0002 Chassis Management Module can also be used in wired/wireless network management, Intel says.

(Click for larger view of NetStructure chassis management module)

IMS

The IP multimedia subsystem, or IMS, is an umbrella framework developed by the 3GPP (3G Parnership Project). It provides a modular service platform based on IP (Internet protocol) and SIP (session initiation protocol) that aims to effectively integrate cellular and Internet services.

3G networks gain their ability to support broadband-like Internet speeds through the greater efficiency of packet-switching, rather than the circuit-switching used in 2G networks. Packet-switching gives 3G networks a degree of interoperability with the Internet, which is also packet-switched. The IMS refines this interoperability by implementing features such as QoS (quality-of-service) and usage reporting that help carriers effectively commercialize services.

Internet-based services enabled through IMS range from instant messaging, PoC (push-to-talk over cellular), handset video, network-based gaming services, “triple-play” voice-data-video services, and eventually, full emulation of circuit-switched network functions such as voice call handling.

IMS network elements. Source: Intel
(click to enlarge)

Intel's IMS lineup

Intel describes its IMS offerings as “a set of industry-standard equipment built on modular communications platforms, such as AdvancedTCA.” It defines AdvancedTCA (ATCA) as “a series of industry-standard specifications for carrier-grade communications equipment that incorporates the latest trends in high-speed interconnect technologies, next-generation processors, and improved reliability, manageability and serviceability features.”

Intel says its IMS products enable communications and media services to be managed independently from the network itself, which enables a service provider to easily add, remove, or scale new services across both fixed and mobile networks. For example, a carrier could use the devices to implement subscriber trials of a handful of new services, such as push-to-talk and network-based gaming, and then scale the most successful service without complicated changes to core network elements, according to Intel.

Intel VP Doug Davis, of the Communications Infrastructure Group, said, “Intel's communications infrastructure vision is to help the telecommunications industry make the transition from costly proprietary-based systems to flexible, standards-based platforms. To accomplish this, we are offering new products optimized for IMS while fostering comprehensive industry interoperability with a design guide for AdvancedTCA development through our industry alliance program.”

Availability

The Intel NetStructure MPCBL0010 SBC (single board computer) will be available within the next 90 days for $3,200 MSRP. The Intel NetStructure IXB28504xGbEFS Secure Packet Processing Blade will be available in September for $12,299 MSRP. The Intel NetStructure MPCMM0002 Chassis Management Module is available now, priced at $1,222 MSRP.

Intel also expects to begin sampling a high-performance SBC in July that will be based on dual 64-bit Intel Xeon processors operating at 2.8 GHz.

Additional information about IMS can be found in the book The 3G IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS): Merging the Internet and the Cellular Worlds, by Gonzalo Camarillo and Miguel-Angel Garcia-Martin, and in a variety of vendor whitepapers from major telecom equipment manufacturers.

An Intel whitepaper about IMS is available here. An Intel whitepaper about modular communications platforms based on Carrier Grade Linux and ATCA can be found here.

 
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