Finnish telecom service provider Sonera plans to power its Ethernet-based broadband service in Helsinki with Cisco Systems ‘ equipment.
With Cisco’s help, Sonera will deliver high-speed Internet access via 10/100 Ethernet ports, enabling each user to have a reserved capacity of 256 kbps. For Cisco’s part, the gear maker will supply its Catalyst 2950 switches and metropolitan optical fiber.
Initially, Sonera will offer the service to 15,000 of its existing residential customers in the apartments of the Helsinki Area Student Villages. The Cisco equipment will enable the delivery of the Ethernet access through an optical fiber network running to the basement of the apartment building. The service will be accessed through an Ethernet socket in the apartment and a network card, eliminating the need for a modem, Sonera said.
“The combination of Ethernet, optical fiber and IP provides Sonera with a solid foundation for future offering of services such as voice over IP and video-on-demand down the line,” Sonera’s Director Jari Hakalin said in a statement.