PacketLight launches all-packet multiple service optical transport system for the metro
At last week's SuperComm show in Atlanta, PacketLight Networks introduced what the company claims is the first all-packet multiple services optical transport system for carriers in the metro.
Based on PacketLight's recently-announced advanced Layer 1-2 architecture (patent pending), the new system delivers data/IP, voice/TDM, storage, video, ATM, and all-optical in a single, all-packet fabric -- simply, efficiently and economically. The system is deployed in a new suite of hardware and network management products that works with GbE and SONET, new and emerging systems, and legacy systems. It enables carriers to simply and profitably deliver any type of existing or future network service to their business customers via any optical network..
The PacketLight product suite includes an optical networking metro service collection system, called SiteLight, and a high-end transport sorting and aggregation system, CentraLight. It also includes two network management systems (NMSs) - BrowseLight and ControLight -- that enable carriers to fully exploit SiteLight and CentraLight functionality and perform management tasks in a fast, convenient and reliable manner.
The SiteLight optical networking metro system provides a transport solution that lets carriers respond efficiently to the needs of business customers for high-bandwidth services. SiteLight consolidates service collection, SONET and non-SONET services, ADM and cross-connect, wavelength switching, regeneration and transponding, and DWDM/OADM in a single compact chassis located in a customer site, central office, COLO or POP.
CentraLight provides efficient aggregation of traffic from SiteLight units or other CentraLight traffic, as well as aggregation and grooming of legacy SONET voice and data traffic. It enables efficient sorting based on various criteria (traffic type, destination, available resources) and connection to the TDM, ATM, IP, storage and all-optical networks for service or transport. Aggregating traffic within one platform under a single management system significantly improves network economics and service delivery.
With its NMS application, BrowseLight and ControLight, the system supports one-click, flexible, end-to-end provisioning of PDH, SONET, ATM, IP, Ethernet and Fibre Channel services.
BrowseLight is a Java-based sub-network and node manager. Its intuitive, user-friendly and ergonomic GUI greatly simplifies tasks previously performed on legacy networks using craft terminals and ring managers in a tedious and time-consuming manner. BrowseLight uses a standard SNMP protocol and may be operated via a standard browser. It supports fault, configuration, performance and security management functions and also enables point-and-click end-to-end provisioning.
Designed for resiliency, scalability, and interoperability, Java-based ControLight is a high-end, multi-user client-server NMS for a network of PacketLight systems. Running on UNIX or NT servers, it provides the network operation center with the ability to perform end-to-end service provisioning, service assurance, service activation, configuration management, and inventory management. ControLight supports a northbound CORBA interface to a carrier's OSS and customer network management.
The PacketLight product suite is expected to begin shipping in limited volume in Q4 2001 and be generally available in early 2002.
About PacketLight Networks:
PacketLight Networks develops advanced architecture and optical transport system for the metro. For more information, visit www.packetlight.com.