At last week's SuperComm show, Lantern Communications introduced its Metro Packet Switch (MPS) product line for operators of metropolitan and regional area networks. The 80 Gbps systems -- MPS-AX and MPS-FX -- are packet ring switches used to build dual counter-rotating 10-gigabit resilient packet rings (RPRs) that can scale to several hundred kilometers and more than a hundred nodes. MPS packet rings provide a scalable and efficient infrastructure for delivering deterministic Ethernet and other packet-based services to network subscribers.
The Lantern solution was designed from the ground up for the reliable delivery of packet services with assured quality of service in the carrier environment. MPS systems incorporate a number of essential features including deterministic Quality of Service (QoS) unique bandwidth management capabilities, and efficient multicast support. These features enable service providers to offer significantly more revenue-generating services than other technologies.
The MPS-FX and MPS-AX systems are, respectively, 6-slot and 14-slot chassis; both designed to NEBS Level 3 specifications. The systems are configurable with redundant power supplies, fan trays and 80 Gbps switch modules, and all replaceable modules are interchangeable between the two chassis. The first release will support 80 Gbps packet switch module, 10 Gbps ring interface modules, 16-port 100BaseFX single-mode service module, 16-port 100BaseFX multi-mode service module, 16-port 100BaseTX service module, 2-port Gigabit Ethernet service module with SX optics, and a 2-port Gigabit Ethernet service module with LX optics.
By deploying MPS-based packet rings, network operators can offer an array of value-added applications, including assured Internet access, storage area networking, video distribution, video multicast and broadcast, voice over IP, and Ethernet virtual private LAN.
ROPR combines ring-optimized traffic engineering and management, spatial reuse and statistical multiplexing to achieve more than 95-percent ring utilization. In contrast, the effective bandwidth utilization in SONET/SDH and Ethernet switching systems is less than 60 percent for packet services.
ROPR-based rings can support more than ten times the number of deterministic Ethernet services that SONET/SDH systems can and over twice the number of Ethernet services that packet switches that rely on best effort or aggregate class of service traffic management can.
Lantern's ROPR solution enables network operators to deploy a data-optimized MAN solution delivering service guarantees and service scalability at cost efficiencies far exceeding other technologies, thus establishing 10 Gbps RPR as the most service-efficient and cost-effective technology for lighting the edge of the optical Internet.
Product trial is scheduled for October 2001, with general availability planned by year's end.
In addition to developing its MPS systems, Lantern has also driven the creation of the IEEE 802.17 RPR Working Group and the formation of the Resilient Packet Ring Alliance. With the launch of the MPS product, Lantern hopes to accelerate the acceptance of RPR technology.
About Lantern Communications:
Lantern Communications actively participates in the IEEE 802.17 RPR Working Group (www.ieee802.org/17) responsible for developing standards for RPR systems. For more information, visit www.lanterncom.com.