RAD Data Communications launches terminal multiplexer that extends Ethernet LAN services over SDH/SONET networks
16 December 2003 Tel Aviv, Israel Lightwave Europe--RAD Data Communications has introduced a SDH/SONET terminal multiplexer that extends Ethernet LAN services over existing SDH/SONET networks.
Using virtual concatenation, the FCD-155 Ethernet-over-SDH/SONET customer located equipment (CLE) maps Ethernet traffic into SDH/SONET virtual containers in multiple increments of n x 2 Mbits/sec (VC12) or n x 1.5 Mbits/sec (VT1.5), up to full wire-speed Fast Ethernet. In addition to delivering Ethernet traffic across the SDH/SONET network, the FCD-155 allows STM-1/OC-3 services to transport additional TDM channels up to a total of four E1/T1 lines or a single E3/T3 or sub-STM-1 line.
"Supplying Ethernet services over legacy SDH/SONET networks is a hot issue in today's market," states Izi Amado, product line manager at RAD Data Communications. "Carriers with existing SDH/SONET infrastructure that want to diversify their data services will be particularly attracted to the FCD-155," he explains. Because SDH and SONET were designed for digital voice, rather than for data, the virtual containers that transport their digital signaling are static. The size of a container is either 2 Mbits/sec for E1 (or 1.5 Mbits/sec for T1) or 50 Mbits/sec for E3/T3 speeds, with nothing in between. Data, however, is by definition, dynamic and not static and requires flexibility in its speed. "The FCD-155 CLE, therefore, provides carriers and customers with the missing link that empowers scalable and efficient Ethernet service offerings over SDH and SONET networks," Amado adds.
The FCD-155 also addresses the networking needs of large enterprises that need to provide point-to-point wire-speed Fast Ethernet services over dark fiber. The product can connect two campus locations as far as 80 km (50 miles) apart, and enables easy and economical transport of all LAN and voice traffic.
The device is a compact, inexpensive solution with a small footprint. It is easy to configure, install and maintain.