RAD debuts intelligent converters for Fast Ethernet-over-SDH/SONET applications

January 11, 2004 London -- As the demand for Fast Ethernet services grows, the need for connections among SDH/SONET networks and Ethernet and IP networks has risen significantly. To meet this need, RAD Data Communications today rolled out its new RICi-E1 and RICi-T1 intelligent converters.

"Although Fast Ethernet can connect directly to next-generation SDH/SONET backbones, this isn't the case for the majority of the hundreds of thousands of existing SDH/SONET rings that are based on current SDH technology," explains Ramon Horkany, product line manager at RAD. "Furthermore, some local or regional carriers or ISPs don't own their own SDH/SONET infrastructure, or they have a network that doesn't reach a particular area and need to lease lines from other carriers to provide Fast Ethernet services to the customer."

"Since much of today's access to SDH/SONET networks is over lower speed PDH tributaries," continues Horkany, "the RICi-E1 and RICi-T1 converters give carriers an easy and inexpensive solution for offering Fast Ethernet services immediately, over current generation SDH/SONET backbones."

The RICi devices forward packets from a 10/100BaseT Ethernet port to the TDM network over a G.703 E1 or T1 uplink at wire speed, ensuring that the expensive TDM circuits are fully utilized, thus lowering leased line costs for the local carrier.

Advanced remote management and DHCP-client support for easy plug-and-play installation facilitate configuration and speed up deployment of new Ethernet services, say company representatives. In addition, diagnostic tools for quick identification and isolation of TDM and Ethernet network problems reduce operational costs and system downtime. RICi converters also support standard 802.1p VLAN-tagging with four levels of prioritization, enabling carriers to offer differentiated Ethernet services. VLAN tagging can also be employed to separate traffic, ensuring transparency of the customer traffic and bolstering security of management traffic.

RICi-E1 and RICi-T1 are part of RAD's set of Ethernet access solutions. These products enable service provisioning and carrier backhaul applications over low- and high-speed SDH/SONET and PDH circuits from fractional and full E1/T1, E3/T3 to STM-1.