Juniper Networks, Inc. announced the expansion of the RESIP (Resilient IP) laboratory in Munich to include testing, certification and demonstration facilities to ease the deployment of IPTV and multiplay service offerings. Previously focused on next-generation network Voice over IP (VoIP) applications, the RESIP laboratory now accommodates full-meshed core and edge routing, access and aggregation solutions, IPTV and multiplay applications, and the underlying infrastructure, at scale. The RESIP laboratory is working closely with the IPTV and Multiplay Center of Excellence Laboratory in Westford, Massachusetts, which is also a resource designed to help assure readiness for providers' production service deployments.

The new RESIP demonstrations encompass Siemens' IPTV solution and the SURPASS Carrier Ethernet access and aggregation infrastructure. In the lab Siemens' technology is combined with Juniper's IP core and edge routing expertise with the M320 Multiservice Edge Router, E320 Broadband Services Router, and SDX Service Deployment System. Voice, video and data solutions from other vendors can also be integrated with Juniper and Siemens technology to demonstrate fully interoperable and open multiplay solutions. Approximately 300 global service provider customers have already utilized the RESIP laboratory since it became operational in 2003.

"Providers recognize that IPTV is becoming a popular service requirement for consumers, and therefore, need an efficient process for designing their multiplay networks to best optimize for success in a competitive market," said Giovanni Benini, vice president Home Entertainment at Siemens Communications. "The expanded RESIP facility enables our provider customers to explore IPTV solution alternatives in a realistic, open and scalable environment."

IPTV service delivery for the consumer is demonstrated in a dedicated living room area of the Munich laboratory and focuses on the user's quality of experience to ensure that an operator's design maintains acceptable standards at scale. IPTV is shown operating along with VoIP, data and other applications in a real-time environment. For example, the "zapping time" feature -- how quickly programs can be selected and changed via the remote control -- is put to the test in a real-world multiplay scenario and optimized with state of the art IP network capabilities.

"This is another deliverable of our Open IPTV and Multiplay Initiative, which Juniper is leading to help providers more rapidly and cost-effectively deploy IPTV and multiplay service offerings using open, flexible and best-of-breed networks," said Shailesh Shukla, vice president of service provider marketing and partnerships, Juniper Networks. "Every aspect of a solution, including security, quality of service, cost-effectiveness and flexibility, can be verified and optimized before services are actually deployed, which helps best utilize our customers' resources."