ECI Telecom emphasizes Layer 3 capabilities in next-generation packet-optical transport systems

ECI Telecom today has unveiled the Apollo family of Optimized Multi-Layer Transport (OMLT) systems that the company describes as the next generation of packet-optical transport platforms. The company cites the line’s support of Layer 3 functions and its ability to tightly integrate multiple network layers under a single network management system as chief points of differentiation.

According to Rafael Francis, head of technology and marketing, Americas, at ECI, current packet-optical transport systems fall short in three areas:

1. True convergence of Layer 1, 2, and 3 functionality, which requires the use of Carrier Ethernet platforms to support advanced data services
2. Reliance on multiple network management systems to manage operations at these different layers
3. Lack of configuration flexibility.

The Apollo OMLT platforms address each of these concerns, Francis asserted in a meeting with Lightwave last week. Key enablers include a universal switch fabric that supports Ethernet and Optical Transport Network (OTN) requirements, including interworking between the two traffic types, as well as support of IP/MPLS and MPLS-TP where network demands require it. The systems also feature colorless, directionless, and contentionless ROADMs in 2-degree and greater formats, Francis said.

The family includes:

• Apollo OPT9603 – A metro access platform for aggregation of TDM and Ethernet/MPLS over OTN and WDM.
• Apollo OPT9604 – A metro-edge OMLT for aggregation of TDM, Ethernet, and IP/MPLS over OTN and WDM. It also can be configured to act as a pure optical networking platform with OTN, ROADM, and WDM capabilities or a Carrier Ethernet switch router with 50-Gbps of packet switching capacity as well as an integrated packet-optical transport system.
• Apollo OPT9608 – Another metro-edge OMLT focused on aggregation of TDM, Ethernet and IP/MPLS over OTN and WDM, but with 100 Gbps of packet switching capacity. Like the OPT9604, it also may serve as an optical networking system or Carrier Ethernet switch router.
• Apollo OPT9624 –This OMLT targets metro, metro core, and long-haul applications. It is designed to provide aggregation of TDM, Ethernet, and IP/MPLS over OTN and WDM. It also can be used as a pure-play optical networking platform, a multi-terabit ODU crossconnect with WDM capability, or Carrier Ethernet switch router with 100-Gbps and multi-terabit packet switching capacity. As its name implies, it supports 24 universal I/O slots.
• Apollo OPT9648 – The Cadillac of the Apollo line, this is a 48-slot version of the OPT9624.

Other elements of the line include the Artemis 1P/2P passive optical platforms, and LightSoft unified network management system. ECI also will offer its suite of 1Net consultancy, planning, and network design services.

The Apollo line will support 40-Gbps transmission rates initially, with 100-Gbps capabilities available in the latter part of 2012, Francis said. The OPT9603 and OPT9608 (an enhanced version of ECI’s existing 9608 Carrier Ethernet switch router) are the first members of the family to be made available. ECI will release the OPT9624 early in 2012, with the OPT9648 following in the later half of the year, Frances says.

For more information on high-speed transmission systems and suppliers, visit the Lightwave Buyers Guide.