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Product
Parade
December
24, 2002
Reliable data, voice convergence for access networks
ISRAEL -- Lightscape Networks, a leading innovator in
optical networking and a wholly owned subsidiary of
ECI Telecom has recently launched its new multiservice
access platform for customer locations, street-side/basement
cabinets and central office (CO) locations.
The
product branded BroadGate MicroLAN, functions as an
STM-1/OC-3 ADM (add/drop multiplexer) and TM (terminal
multiplexer) or dual homing protected TM. MicroLAN strengthens
the BroadGate portfolio of access products and extends
the services of the company's flagship XDM hybrid optical
networking family of platforms for data connectivity
within the access network.
The multiservice design of the MicroLAN combines TDM
voice services such as E1/T1s and data services such
as 10/100BaseT Ethernet within the same device. The
MicroLAN aggregates leased line and Ethernet services,
tailored to meet the customer SLA (service level agreement),
onto SDH/SONET access network via STM-1/OC-3 uplinks.
Data traffic is mapped onto virtually concatenated VC-12/VT1.5
SDH/SONET containers, scaling from 2/1.5Mbps to 100Mbps.
The
MicroLAN provides flexible TLS (transparent LAN services)
connections between customers' LAN sites, without modifying
or interfering with the customer's packets and with
full SDH/SONET security and reliability. It is equipped
with layer 2 statistical multiplexing, offering Ethernet
services over shared bandwidth. This will enable multiple
users to use a pre-ordained amount of bandwidth according
to actual traffic needs and build VPNs over the public
infrastructure.
Mobile
operators in particular require multiple E1/T1 trunks
for transporting traffic between nodes at the RAN (radio
access network), mainly BTS (base transceiver station),
hub BTS and BSC (base station controller) sites. This
requirement is expected to increase dramatically with
the buildout of GPRS and 3G networks. The BroadGate
MicroLAN cost-effectively offers E1/T1 density required
to meet the growing demands. Its built-in capacity for
simultaneously carrying Ethernet traffic enables mobile
operators to capitalise on their massive presence in
the metro by offering new fixed Ethernet services to
customers.
A
majority of cellular operators are considering offering
WLAN complementary services. Deploying MicroLAN units
in BTS/Node Bs enables operators to merge all services
over the same infrastructure by providing E1/T1s for
TDM 2G/2.5G and ATM 3G networks, as well as 10/100BaseT
for traffic aggregation of multiple WLAN access points.
All traffic can then be routed over STM-1/OC-3 towards
the next switching or aggregation layer.
The
compact design of BroadGate MicroLAN -- just 1U in height
-- provides significant benefits within locations where
footprint is crucial due to space or cost restraints.
For example, within BTSs in mobile access networks and
in rented co-location racks the MicroLAN's tiny size
offers a distinct cost advantage over other ADM-1s.
Additional cost benefits due to the MicroLAN's native
Ethernet services allow the end user to connect directly
from the switch or router over its Ethernet interfaces.
These interfaces are much cheaper than traditional WAN
interfaces such as STM-1/OC-3. It allows the end user
to benefit from using less expensive equipment, as STM-1/OC-3
interfaces are generally only available within high-end
switches and routers. This reduces total costs without
lowering the operator's prices.
These
benefits also apply to utility companies, such as railway,
electricity and gas operators, who require ultra-reliable
Ethernet connectivity to carry critical real-time control
signaling. MicroLAN fulfills these requirements and
enables them to sell voice and data connectivity services
to customers.
Ido
Gur, vice president of marketing, Lightscape Networks,
said; "The BroadGate MicroLAN offers a valuable
extension of services for our XDM metro optical networking
platform to the network access. Together, they provide
carrier-class, end-to-end voice and data services with
the reliability and protection of SDH and SONET."
The BroadGate MicroLAN access platform is currently
available and has already undergone successful testing
with a number of networks, with installations in China
and across Europe.
Contact:
Lightscape Networks
Tel: 972-3-926-8341
Email: Karen.gershon@lightscapenet.com
Web: www.lightscapenet.com
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