Hatteras Networks of Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, a supplier of high-bandwidth, symmetrical, last-mile Ethernet over copper access and service platforms, whose

1. Metro Ethernet Copper Access (MECA) HN4000 switch family solution enables carriers to fully deliver the requisite high-bandwidth, access infrastructure to support converged voice, video and data network services to business customers.

2. Solution is fully compliant and certified with the IEEE 802.3ah Ethernet in the First Mile standards for 2BASE-TL services, utilising copper bonding and encompassing Ethernet operations, and administration and maintenance (OAM) functionality.

3. Standards based solutions can be used by carriers to extend fibre-based Ethernet services over copper, or upgrade private line customers to higher-performance services.

4. Ethernet over bonded-copper broadband delivery platforms specifically enable carriers to deliver up to 45 Mbit/s of symmetrical Ethernet service over existing last-mile dry copper loops, thus creating a service portfolio that includes Ethernet private line, transparent LAN services, VoIP, Internet Access from 1-45 Mbit/s and VPNs.

5. Platform is built to operate in COs, controlled environmental vaults, remote terminals and on poles, allowing carriers to deliver Ethernet to nearly all business buildings on their copper and fibre infrastructure.

6. HN4000 solution, the company says, is the first Ethernet over copper services platform to include modular network uplinks to streamline the introduction of Ethernet services into any carrier network.

Announced the general availability of an Ethernet over DS3 (EoDS3) uplink module for the HN4000, which Hatteras said:

1. Is designed for carriers that have deployed ADMs over the last several years and have untapped DS3 connections, enabling the HN4000 to deliver the ability to turn services up directly without any changes to existing infrastructure.

2. Enables facilities-based CLECs and IOCs to deploy Ethernet services from their existing infrastructure cost-effectively compared to hardware and software upgrades to existing ADMs and other equipment.

3. Now means that the HN4000 modular IO slot supports DS3, E3 and native Ethernet (copper and fibre) uplinks.

Michael Howard, principal analyst and co-founder of Infonetics Research, was quoted as saying, "The new DS3 uplink opens up the Ethernet service opportunity to any provider, while avoiding the cost of upgrading existing ADMs to support Ethernet".

While Kevin Sheehan, president and CEO of Hatteras Networks, commented, "Many older ADMs are incapable of supporting Ethernet services at all".

In a parallel announcement, Hatteras Networks announced that MTS Communications, a division of Manitoba Telecom Services, Canada's third-largest national communications provider, with more than 6,600 employees, and which:

1. Serves residential and business customers in the province, with a full suite of wireline voice, data, wireless and TV services.

2. Via its Allstream division, serves national business customers, with a portfolio of connectivity, infrastructure management and information technology services.

3. Operates a national broadband fibre optic network, spanning more than 24,300 km, providing international connections through strategic partnerships and interconnection agreements with other international service providers.

Has standardised on the Hatteras MECA solution supporting delivery of business-grade Ethernet services over last mile copper, thus enabling MTS Communications business customers to purchase multiple layered services over a single physical pipe.

Finally, it was reported by VentureWire that Hatteras has raised a further $15 million in a D financing round.