Transmode extends native packet optical transport capabilities

23 JUNE 2009 -- Transmode (search Lightwave for Transmode) has announced the availability of two new Layer 2 Ethernet plug-in units for the TM-Series Intelligent WDM (iWDM) product line.

With network operators facing increasing pressure to support greater and greater network capacity at a lower cost, there is a drive towards integrating Layer 2 Ethernet technology into optical transport platforms. This enables network operators to optimize their network to ensure that expensive Layer 2 switches and IP routers are best used and that the operator can deploy Layer 2 Ethernet services to the business and wholesale markets, Transmode says.

Transmode's approach to native packet optical transport integrates Layer 2 Ethernet functionality into Transmode's iWDM systems. A range of plug-in units for the TM-Series are designed to extend the existing network capabilities into Layer 2 traffic aggregation and demarcation, classification, and quality of service (QoS) management of Layer 2 Ethernet services. By combining Layer 1 transport with Layer 2 service delivery and management, the extended range of units can provide great savings in space and power and can greatly reduce overall network complexity, all leading to lower total cost of ownership, Transmode asserts.

The two new plug-in units are extended versions of existing Layer 2 plug-in units available from Transmode, with additional ports and functionality. The new modules form part of Release 13 of the TM-Series and accompanying Transmode Network Manager management system, which is available from 26 June 2009.

Firstly, Transmode has extended the six-port Ethernet Demarcation Unit (EDU) with a new variant with 12 ports, providing operators with a choice of units to fit different sets of capacity requirements. The EDUs are designed to provide users with carrier-class Ethernet services as defined by the Metro Ethernet Forum directly from their existing WDM infrastructure. This enables operators to quickly and simply take full advantage of the rapid growth in demand for advanced Ethernet services from enterprises and other operators, Transmode says.

Secondly, Transmode has extended the Ethernet Muxponder (EMXP) with a double-width variant with twenty-two 10/100/1000 Ethernet SFP ports and two 10G LAN PHY XFP ports. The EMXP functionality now extends beyond aggregation of traffic onto standard 10G Ethernet signals that can plug directly into switches or routers to ensure the best possible traffic utilization, according to Transmode. The new version also now supports bandwidth profiles with advanced traffic management features such as class-of-service-aware scheduling and intelligent bandwidth shaping to allow service providers to ensure that their network resources are managed as efficiently as possible, the company adds.

"Native Packet Optical Transport is key to the evolution of optical networks over the next few years and the transport architecture choices today will lay the foundations for the Ethernet convergence wave," said Sten Nordell, Transmode's CTO. "With ever increasing capacity demands and the need to continuously reduce costs, operators have to continue to simplify network operations while also increasing the efficiency of the deployed network. Native Packet Optical Transport based on iWDM technology provides operators with the tools they need to do this and evolve their networks for the Ethernet convergence wave."

Release 13 of the TM-Series and TNM includes support for 8G Fibre Channel and new flexible network management tools within the TNM, both recently announced. The release also includes a new Power Extender to support very long spans within an optical network and a Protection Control Unit which enables operators create protected services with working and protection units in different chassis or even totally different buildings.

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