Cisco Systems implements converged 10 Gigabit network in Kuwait

The network at the ministry's headquarters is the first-of-its-kind in Kuwait to deliver gigabit speed to the desktop and the first such to deploy 10 Gigabit Ethernet in the network core.

The installation offers the highest level of investment protection as the new converged network supports IP Telephony and a broad range of multimedia applications such as Video Conferencing and streaming media, without need for further upgrades. The network has improved productivity and efficiency, and addressed the requirements of bandwidth-hungry design software while offering a complete end-to-end solution covering switching, security and IP Telephony.

"Because some of our key programs, such as the CAD and CAM design applications, use a tremendous amount of bandwidth and require extensive cooperation among support and engineering staff across the network, we recognized that only by upgrading to Cisco's Architecture for Voice, Video and Integrated Data (AVVID) could we effectively maximize our efficiencies and speed up our planning processes," said Mrs. Ebtisam Al-Shemmary, IT Director, Kuwaiti Ministry of Public Works. "As well, we wanted to ensure that the system we are installing will serve our growing networking needs."

The network uses Cisco Catalyst 6500 switches with 10GE and 1GE modules that offers superior service integration and support for application-aware convergence of data, voice and video on a single highly manageable platform, as well as PIX Firewalls for rigorous protection of its internal network from outside intrusions and high-performance IP telephones at the desktop.

Eyad Al Qadi, Regional Sales Manager, Cisco Systems said, "The Ministry of Public Works has taken a bold and strategic step to implement this upgraded infrastructure, one that puts them at the forefront of networking technology. They now are positioned to take full advantage of existing and future technologies and software."

The Ministry of Public Works' communications infrastructure has been developed based upon Cisco's Intelligent Information Network (IIN), a three- to five-year technology vision for moving from basic connectivity products to unified network systems, in order to promote interoperability between business processes, infrastructure and applications. The project was executed by Universe Computers.