First seminar on May 7th to cover Network Restoration and Resilience in All-Optical Networks

The Midlands Communications Group of the IEE (Institution of Electrical Engineers) has launched a wide-ranging series of seminars with an international event on network restoration and resilience in all-optical networks to be held on 7th May at Warwick University in the UK.

An international line-up of speakers from top telecoms operators, equipment manufacturers and service providers will discuss next-generation solutions to the limitations of current networking technology in the face of increasing IP traffic and new multimedia and internet services. These organisations and the standards bodies (such as IETF, OIF, etc) have all recognised that a standardised optical network control plane is essential for multi-vendor interoperability.

A second seminar on CWDM and DWDM in Photonics networks will be held in June and two further events are planned later in the year.

The Midlands Communications Group of the IEE aims to serve as a forum for the exchange of ideas among communications engineers, scientists and young researchers from all over the world on advances in communications systems, communications networks and other related subjects and to provide a focus for future research and development.

Ari Ariyaratnam, Chairman of the Midlands Communications Group said: “Following a highly successful seminar last year, we have again been able to put together a strong platform of speakers and we expect this seminar to attract an international audience. The discussions will do much to further our understanding of the trends in network resilience and to contribute to advances in interoperability of all-optical networks.”

The seminar will be chaired by Dave Johnson of British Telecom, with speakers from Italian network operator Wind, equipment manufacturer Alcatel, Native Networks, the University of Pisa’s CNIT (Centre of Excellence for Communication Networks Engineering), together with a case study on Cable & Wireless’ optical network presented by Professor Habib Rashvand of Advanced Communication Systems. Andy Barker of Marconi will present on Overview of existing protection mechanisms, MSP, SNCP and MSSPring and will argue the advantages of combined restoration and traditional fast switching, backed up with restoration for survivability.

Other contributions will include a discussion on GMPLS-based recovery techniques and extending MPLS into Transport Networks, including T-MPLS. Marconi, the UK telecoms equipment company based in the Midlands, is the Gold Sponsor for the event.

About the IEE
Founded in 1871, the IEE is the largest professional engineering society in Europe with a worldwide membership of around 130,000. Acting as the voice of the engineering profession, it is an innovative organisation for electronics, electrical, IT, power, manufacturing and communications professionals, offering services and qualifications to meet the needs of today's technology industry.

The IEE enables engineers worldwide to exchange technical and professional knowledge and ideas through its web-based Professional Networks, professional magazines and a wide range of events and lectures. Recognising the importance of professional development, the IEE seeks to support its members’ careers by producing comprehensive advice and guidance at all levels to secure the future of engineering.

About Marconi Corporation plc
Marconi Corporation plc is a global telecommunications equipment, services and solutions company. The company's core business is the provision of innovative and reliable optical networks, broadband routing and switching and broadband access technologies and services. The company's customer base includes many of the world's largest telecommunications operators.

The company is listed on the London Stock Exchange under the symbol MONI and on NASDAQ under the ticker MRCIY. Additional information about Marconi Corporation can be found at www.marconi.com

ENDS

For press information on the seminars please contact Sheila Lashford on 07986 514240 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For information about the seminar, speakers and how to attend, please contact Jane Selvidge on 07729727414 or visit the IEE website at www.midlandscommunications.net/

For further information regarding membership of the IEE please visit the IEE website at http://www.iee.org/Membership/