Galazar Networks adds storage area networking device for SONET/SDH line cards

March 22, 2004 Ottawa, Canada -- Galazar Networks Inc. introduced the MDX251, a multi-protocol storage area networking (SAN) mapper for next generation SONET/SDH applications.

The MDX251 joins Galazar's existing product family of Ethernet over SONET/SDH (EoS) framers. The MDX251 is ideal for multi-service line cards that offer services such as Fibre Channel, FICON, ESCON, or Gigabit Ethernet.

"With carriers focused on deploying new, revenue generating services over the existing SONET/SDH network, equipment vendors are working closely with Galazar to extend their success in Ethernet over SONET into the SAN services market," said Richard Deboer, chief executive, Galazar Networks. "The MDX251 enables our customers to leverage their investments across a common hardware and software platform for universal line cards capable of supporting any SAN or Ethernet service."

The MDX251's target applications include SAN services cards for SONET/SDH ADMs, MSTPs, CPE/CLE terminals or metro core switches. SAN traffic, such as Fibre Channel, FICON, ESCON, or Gigabit Ethernet, is encapsulated using Transparent Generic Framing Procedure (GFP-T) and mapped to an OIF compliant SPI-3 interface for connection to SONET/SDH framers supporting GFP-F, Virtual Concatenation (VCAT) and Link Capacity Adjustment Scheme (LCAS) such as Galazar's MSF250 and DSF250 framers.

When combined with Galazar's existing framer devices, the MDX251 leverages next generation SONET/SDH features such as LCAS, GFP, low order and high order VCAT. Galazar's framers are the first devices to simultaneously support mixed high order (STS/VC paths) and low order (VT/VC paths) VCAT with LCAS. These features increase a carrier's service offerings and revenues from the existing infrastructure.

The MDX251 device will be available for general sampling in Q2'04. A support package including datasheets and software drivers is available to customers.