Smart SFP enables cost-optimized mobile backhaul assurance

Optical module vendor OE Solutions and Dutch technology company AimValley have introduced the two-way active measurement protocol (TWAMP) Smart SFP Reflector, an optical transceiver designed to improve service assurance in Layer 3 networks. The companies say they also demonstrated that the Smart SFP seamlessly interworks with the CreaNODE 3000, a tool for Layer 2 and Layer 3 service assurance. Creanord Oy just announced the CreaNODE 3000 scalable mobile backhaul assurance platform at Mobile World Congress 2014.

OE Solutions and AimValley say their product provides operators with tools for monitoring and troubleshooting IP services by simply replacing a conventional SFP with a Smart SFP. When used in combination with the CreaNODE 3000, the Smart SFP provides a complete and cost-effective approach to end-to-end Layer 3 monitoring, the companies assert.

The TWAMP Smart SFP provides monitoring and troubleshooting using standardized protocols: IP layer service monitoring using TWAMP according to RFC5357 and physical layer monitoring via remote DDMI digital diagnostics monitoring retrieval. The Smart SFP delivers these integrated OAM capabilities at Gigabit Ethernet wire speed with very low latency, while serving a wide range of optical and reach applications, according to the companies.

Simple to deploy and manage, the CreaNODE 3000 ultra-performance network measurement probe is highly accurate and powerful, providing Ethernet and IP network monitoring with unparalleled scalability and reach, according to Creanord. The CreaNODE 3000 is designed to provide cost-optimized monitoring of mobile backhaul and business WAN, with the ability to assure four or more classes of service with one single unit, while scaling to thousands of sites. Thanks to the capability to interwork with the Smart SFP, it enables performance monitoring at a disruptive price point, the company asserts.

“The combination of the AimValley Smart SFP and CreaNODE 3000 together offer the easiest way to extract performance metrics from already deployed multi-vendor networks," said Antti Pappila, CTO of Creanord. “Together with the predictive analytics provided by Creanord EchoVault Performance and SLA management system, the solution provides unparalleled network visibility.”

“Since the introduction of the Smart SFP, we have continuously worked with other vendors to provide the best solutions for our customers,” said Pieter de Boer, CEO of AimValley. “Together with Creanord we provide a best in class SLA solution, offering operators the choice to offer network service assurance at Layer 2 or Layer 3.”

Creanord is showing a live demonstration of the Creanode 3000 with the TWAMP Smart SFP at MWC 2014 in Barcelona from February 24 through 27.

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