OCTOBER 31, 2008 -- Aurora Networks (search for Aurora Networks) this week announced that the Metro Ethernet Forum (search for MEF) has certified its T1/E1 over Ethernet access equipment. Aurora's new GT3410A module, which links TDM and metro Ethernet networks, has achieved MEF-18 certification.
Aurora says it engineered the equipment to support the stringent latency and jitter requirements of cell tower backhaul applications. This purpose-built access network offering for cable operators also enables flexible and easy-to-deploy architectures, including point-to-point, SMART Media Converters, and Fiber on Demand, says the company.
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The modular device supports T1/E1 port counts in increments of four and can scale up to 80 T1/E1 ports (in a 3-RU platform). In addition to providing T1/E1 services, up to 1,000 Mbits/sec of symmetric Ethernet bandwidth can be transported between 3G base station transceivers and base station controllers.
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Aurora will begin shipping the modules this quarter, with general availability slated for the first quarter of 2009.
According to the company, key features of the GT3410A module include:
• The ability to leverage existing fiber using point-to-point, Fiber on Demand, and SMART Media Converter architectures to deliver T1/E1 services to commercial customers;
• A latency engineered to one millisecond for stringent cell tower backhaul applications;
• The addition of T1/E1 local loop application to existing transparent LAN service for campus interconnection;
• 1-RU rack-mount and wall-mount options;
• High availability redundant powering options;
• MEF-18, MEF-9 and MEF-14 certification;
• Advanced T1/E1 and Ethernet access diagnostic features (802.3ah OAM) such as loopback and dying gasp; and
• Flexible clock synchronization options.
"Carrier Ethernet is proven to be more scalable, reliable, and cost effective than legacy TDM-based technologies," notes Shridhar Kulkarni, product manager with Aurora Networks. "By supporting Gigabit Ethernet backhaul while preserving the existing investments in TDM infrastructure, the GT3410A delivers a compelling business case for cable operators to tap into the multi-billion-dollar cell tower backhaul market." Â
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"The development of Aurora's T1/E1 product is an important step in extending cable's node-based commercial solutions," adds Doug Combs, Aurora's vice president of network architectures and field services. "With its low latency, high availability, and extended reach, it is an exciting addition to Aurora's portfolio of Access Network Solutions."
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