Converged Internet Protocol Services

  

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Converged IP Services (CIPS) delivers Networx IP-based data, voice and video communication services to subscribing agency locations over a single access circuit. CIPS Basic combines the Network-Based IP VPN Service (NBIP-VPNS) for connectivity between customer LANs, the Internet Protocol Service (IPS) for access to the Internet, and the Voice over IP Transport Service (VOIPTS) for access to the PSTN.

The Verizon CIPS network delivers a broad range of network and security services over a single access circuit. CIPS simplifies service delivery; promotes optimization and cost savings for network equipment, access, and gateways across agency applications; and frees up customer personnel to focus on delivering business services rather than network services. In support of increased agency investments in IT convergence, our CIPS solution helps centralize IT architectures and unify building infrastructures to mitigate costs in the field, promote technology reuse, and improve utilization of information resources. CIPS also promotes the development of a common set of performance metrics that may be applied end-to-end across converged IT applications, server/LAN infrastructures, and wide area network services.

Key features of our CIPS solution include:

• CIPS Basic. NBIP-VPNS, the foundation transport network for CIPS, is an MPLS-powered private IP network that provides secure, any-to-any connectivity between agency LANs. The service offers a range of port speeds from DS0 to OC12; CONUS and OCONUS coverage locations; and advanced IP networking features, including IP Class of Service (CoS), IP multicast, and IPv6.
• CIPS Telephony. The Verizon CIPS Telephony offering provides the additional telephony features available under our Networx IPTelS, as well as directory assistance and operator services, and support for interoperability with agency-provided Active Directory services (using the LDAP directory integration feature). We deliver CIPS Telephony service in nearly 1,650 rate centers in the US and in four European countries using Verizon local service. Our current VoIP local service covers approximately 60% of the population in the CONUS, and continues to expand as demand grows.
• 900/E911. Verizon provides 911 and E911 services in a manner similar to the traditional PSTN environment. All local switches are connected to the PSAP for the serving area. For a fixed location subscriber, a 911 call is routed to the PSAP and automatically displays the caller’s billing telephone number (BTN); location information is added for E911 calls.
• Security. Verizon has security practices and safeguards in place to mitigate against vulnerabilities and unauthorized access to the CIPS network and CIPS gateways. This support includes session initiation protocol (SIP) enabled gateways and firewalls for CIPS telephony. We perform periodic security audits of our NBIP-VPNS and CIPS network infrastructures, and update security practices and procedures as required to maintain the integrity of network services.
• Alternative CIPS Access. Verizon offers an alternative access arrangement for CIPS based on our Converged Packet Access (CPA) architecture. CPA uses Ethernet flows over switched Ethernet or MPLS access networks to connect agency locations to a Verizon POP. The Building Ethernet Access System (BEAS) provides the Ethernet User-to-Network Interface (UNI) at the agency location; the Multi-Service Edge (MSE) switch located at the Verizon POP then directs the flows to the appropriate network service.