MRV tests interoperability of the LambdaDriver ESCON CWDM/DWDM system under IBM's TotalStorage Proven Program
April 8, 2004 Phoenix, AZ -- MRV Communications Inc. has successfully completed interoperability testing of its LambdaDriver (LD) ESCON series of multi-functional, compact modular WDM systems with IBM's TotalStorage Enterprise Storage Server (ESS). MRV completed the interoperability testing of its solutions under IBM's TotalStorage Proven interoperability program, where pretested configurations are validated together with IBM Storage.
MRV's LD series consists of multi-functional, compact modular WDM systems that can create up to 32 independent virtual fiber-optic links over a single pair of fibers over distances of up to 100 km. The LambdaDriver's flexibility offers a lower initial cost, allowing for fewer channels units in the beginning and ensuring simple system upgrades or future network re-configurations, say company representatives. The LambdaDriver systems are targeted for carriers' central offices or multi-tenant office buildings and are ideally suited for MAN networks as well as large enterprise and Access networks. The LambdaDriver family supports different network topologies such as PTP, Linear OADM, and Ring, and DWDM and CWDM technologies. Each data stream can handle rates from 10 Mbits/sec up to 2.5 Gbit/sec and can support future upgrades to 10-Gbit/sec services.
The transponders are single slot modules that provide an interface between the WDM system and single channel access port. Transponders are fully independent of the other channels and transparently support all data-centric protocols, enabling service providers to mix different protocols such as SONET/SDH, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, Fibre Channel, ESCON, etc. in the same chassis. LD400/LD800/1600 transponders possess the "data rate selection" functionality, allowing service providers the ability for remote rate provisioning.
The customer (access) interface type of the transponders can be fixed, (i.e. 1310-nm MM/SM or 850-nm MM), or interchangeable (pluggable) by use of SFP (Small Form Factor Pluggable Transceiver). The SFP transponders also possess additional loopback and power monitoring functionalities as well as other SFP related information. The transponders are hot swappable, allowing scalable, in-service expansion or channel maintenance without interruption of service on other channels. The same transponder modules can be used in all Lambda Driver family chassis.
"We are pleased toIbe a part of IBM's TotalStorage Proven program," contends Chen Genossar, vice president of International Strategic Marketing for MRV. "We are seeing the growing need for the deployment of storage applications--whether as remote back-up,IDRP, or real-time mirroring to a second data center--from customers around the world."