Qwest this week said it has revamped its iQ Networking business IP network and service portfolio to address user requirements for intelligent transport, dedicated Internet access, security and service quality assurance.

Previously separate service networks for frame relay, ATM and dedicated Internet access are being collapsed into a single private IP MPLS core in an effort to migrate customers to managed Layer 2/3 VPNs provisioned over three port types: dedicated Internet access, private MPLS and private MPLS enhanced. The dedicated Internet access, frame and ATM "networks" now will run as services over an IP MPLS core instead of requiring dedicated facilities and back-end operations.

To date, dedicated Internet access service has been ported to the new platform and marketed as the iQ Networking Internet port.

Customers will feel the transition to iQ Networking through new contracts and a new user interface. They do not have to change customer premises equipment or ports, and for dedicated Internet access customers there is no change in the price of the service, Qwest says.

"It's a smooth transition," says Martin Capurro, senior director of global data and IP product management for Qwest. "We've spent a lot of time to make it work."

Though dedicated Internet access customers have already switched, frame and ATM users might not be ready to switch contract "vehicles" for the private MPLS and private MPLS enhanced services, Capurro says. For those customers and for those needing minimal disruption in migrating, Qwest's existing IP-enabled frame and ATM services have been positioned as stepping stones to the iQ-based services.

Currently, private MPLS and private MPLS enhanced services are Layer 3 VPNs. VPLS-based Layer 2 VPNs are intended for delivery in mid-2006, Capurro says.

Nearer term, Qwest is looking to add another level of QoS to the iQ Networking service this quarter. The carrier plans to offer a new QoS queue to support applications requiring more than a mid-tier "silver" treatment but below a premium "gold" quality.

Qwest also is extending the reach of its iQ Networking services globally through an agreement with BT Infonet. It will let Qwest reach 240 countries with the service and potentially enables BT Infonet to offer services domestically over Qwest facilities.

This extended reach will support standard network-based service-level agreements (SLA) with general availability slated for late December, Capurro says. End-to-end SLAs are targeted for February.

Qwest also offers the option of having the carrier install and manage new Ethernet CPE for iQ Networking based on Adtran, Cisco and Tasman Networks routers.