AdvancedTCA products use advanced telecom computing architecture (AdvancedTCA), an open standard for high-speed, high-performance telecommunications systems. Large-board accommodation, high wattage (150 - 200 W), and Gigabyte/Terabyte per second bandwidth capabilities are some of the most significant features of an AdvancedTCA product. The AdvancedTCA architecture is designed for wired and wireless networks; data, transport, and core centers; and scalable computerized telecommunications systems. AdvancedTCA products provide standardized features for carrier-grade telecommunication applications and comply with requirements from organizations such as Network Equipment Building Systems (NEBS) and the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI).

AdvancedTCA products include boards, switches, servers, and other telecommunications equipment that complies with the PCI Industrial Computers Manufacturers Group (PICMG) 3.0 - 3.4 standards. Circuit boards in AdvancedTCA systems provide processing, signaling, switching, and layering functions across telecommunications systems. A typical AdvancedTCA network uses a network protocol or industrial protocol such as TCP/IP, SNMP, RMCP, or WBEM to support higher level telecommunication services. Each type of telecommunication protocol carries performance specifications and system requirements.

AdvancedTCA products use advanced telecom computing architecture (AdvancedTCA), an open standard for high-speed, high-performance telecommunications systems. Large-board accommodation, high wattage (150 - 200 W), and Gigabyte/Terabyte per second bandwidth capabilities are some of the most significant features of an AdvancedTCA product. The AdvancedTCA architecture is designed for wired and wireless networks; data, transport, and core centers; and scalable computerized telecommunications systems. AdvancedTCA products provide standardized features for carrier-grade telecommunication applications and comply with requirements from organizations such as Network Equipment Building Systems (NEBS) and the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI).

AdvancedTCA products include boards, switches, servers, and other telecommunications equipment that complies with the PCI Industrial Computers Manufacturers Group (PICMG) 3.0 - 3.4 standards. Circuit boards in AdvancedTCA systems provide processing, signaling, switching, and layering functions across telecommunications systems. A typical AdvancedTCA network uses a network protocol or industrial protocol such as TCP/IP, SNMP, RMCP, or WBEM to support higher level telecommunication services. Each type of telecommunication protocol carries performance specifications and system requirements.

AdvancedTCA products include networking and communications processors and rack-mounted, carrier-grade blade servers that can run network operating systems (NOS). Communications middleware is also compliant with AdvancedTCA equipment. Blade servers, media gateways, and general packet radio service support node (SGSN) controllers can be integrated into a system’s AdvancedTCA architecture. Blade servers require a wide variety of applications to be effective. Media gateways should be able to convert many different protocols. SGSN controllers must have powerful computing capabilities.

AdvancedTCA products offer advantages over devices in previous telecommunications systems. AdvancedTCA equipment supports regulatory requirements, has higher power and better power distribution capability, and can be more readily connected to heterogeneous systems. Disadvantages include the limited availability of software and middleware for AdvancedTCA products, and the prohibitive cost associated with fully compliant telecommunications systems. Although AdvancedTCA products have not gained the popularity that industry observers expected, the AdvancedTCA effort has unified the work of product suppliers, system vendors, and service providers.