Cisco Systems announced the introduction of Cisco ASR 5000 mobile multimedia services solution. The addition of the ASR 5000 gives Cisco a comprehensive end-to-end Internet Protocol Next-Generation Network (IP NGN) architecture and offers mobile operators a platform specifically designed to accommodate the rapid growth of mobile Internet traffic and mobile multimedia applications.

This Cisco mobile Internet network architecture increases network and customer intelligence, offers world-class performance in each solution, and allows service providers to utilize Cisco networking expertise across any access, including 2G/3G/4G mobile network — from cell site to packet core to data center. With this new architecture, consumers will enjoy faster mobile Internet speeds and more seamless mobile multimedia experiences.

Primary Features

• High performance across capacity, throughput, and transaction rate metrics
• Integrated packet voice, data, and multimedia for service flexibility
• High-touch deep packet inspection for enhanced charging and user understanding
• Simple scalability with no function-specific cards
• High reliability with session recovery and geographic redundancy

Major Innovations

• Multiple functions supported in a single node
• In-line Services for highly flexible service control and operational simplicity
• Detailed protocol monitoring, debugging, and subscriber statistics

Yet another acquisition is planned by Cisco Systems. Cisco Systems is planning to buy advance wireless telecommunication equipment makers Starent Networks Corp for 2.9 billion dollars to boost its product offerings as phone carriers build out next-generation networks. This will be a second major acquisition this month for Cisco Systems after billion buyout of videoconferencing leader Tandberg for roughly 3 billion dollars.

According to a post in Cisco blogs, by acquiring Starent Networks Corp – Cisco Systems can expand their product portfolio in mobile internet market. As we all know the Emerging markets are seeing the success of Wi-Max technology. Surely this acquisition will help Cisco to broaden its presence in the Wi-Max area.

“The growth of smart mobile devices and net books has fundamentally changed consumer behavior with regards to how they use the Internet,” said Ned Hooper, Cisco’s chief strategy officer who also oversees the consumer business.

By first half of year 2010, the acquisition is expected to close. Until then Cisco Systems and Starent Networks Corp  will continue to operate as separate companies. Upon completion of the transaction Starent Networks Corp will become the new Mobile Internet Technology Group led by Starent President and CEO Ashraf Dahod. Starent was founded in 2000 and completed its initial public offering in 2007. The company is based in Tewksbury, Mass., and has approximately 1,000 employees worldwide.