Intellambda Systems intros packet-over-optical DWDM transport switch
May 24, 2005 Fremont, CA -- I Intellambda Systems recently introduced its ILS640 platform, which featuring intelligent DWDM networking and packet-over-optical transport designed to deliver what the company claims are new levels of network intelligence, efficiency, scalability, and service assurance to service providers.
The migration to packetized traffic, growing capacity requirements, and convergence of multiple services has resulted in new requirements for metro area and regional networks, which are not properly addressed by currently available optical networking solutions, say Intellambda representatives.
According to the company, the ILS640 is the first system that can be configured to integrate packet processing, wavelength switching, and DWDM transport in one small footprint, allowing service providers to reduce the cost of building and operating metro and regional networks. Applying and integrating new system components, the ILS640 provides the tools and capabilities for service providers to create and manage new revenue-generating services and capabilities.
Key features of the ILS640 include the Packet Processing Engine, which intelligently aggregates and maps network traffic flows onto DWDM wavelengths. The Intelligent Client Interface Modules (iCIM) analyze and classify incoming packet flows, which are then mapped onto DWDM wavelengths--providing true packet-over-optical transport, says the company.
The mapping is achieved using a fully redundant packet switching fabric (with switching capacity of 160 Gbits/sec scalable to 3.2 Tbits/sec). This fabric switches classified client packet flows to Intelligent DWDM Transmit Modules (iDTM), where they are mapped onto DWDM wavelengths using full C-band tunable lasers. The iDTM also has an optional DWDM transponder function, which allows the iDTM to take in a 1310-nm or 850-nm input and convert it to a 2.5-Gbit/sec or a 10-Gbit/sec (upgradeable to a 40-Gbit/sec) 15xx-nm DWDM output wavelength. The Packet Processing Engine is optional and may not be configured if only the transponder function with iDTM is required.
The ILS640 provides easy support for handling third-party DWDM wavelengths, referred to as Alien Wavelengths, explain company representatives. All features available for native wavelengths in ILS640Iare also available for alien wavelengths.
The Wavelength Switching function is enabled by a modular, non-blocking, all-optical wavelength switch fabric that is incrementally scalable from 4 wavelengths to 320 wavelengths in half a rack. This allows for all-optical pass through, thereby minimizing transponder costs at intermediate nodes. It also allows for an in-service upgrade from ring configurations to multi-ring and mesh configurations without affecting traffic, while maintaining an all-optical network architecture.
The ILS640 also features an integrated DWDM transport functionality. This is achieved by integrating amplification, dispersion compensation, and filter functions onto a single line card (14" tall, 8.5" deep, and 1.9" wide), which the company claims cuts the cost of transport components by 50%. The DWDM transport components are self-tuning with no need for any manual adjustments or measurements, says the company. Just plug in the optical fiber to each ILS640 and walk away.
Intellambda's product suite also includes the ILS Navigator Software Suite, a high-availability carrier-grade software suite. The ILS Navigator provides automated node, link, resource, and equipment discovery; automated provisioning of end-to-end connections; and enables the inter-working of packet processing engine with the wavelength switching and DWDM transport modules. The ILS NavigatorIEMS performs advanced optical performance monitoring, including the measurement of dynamic optical signal properties, which allows for easy fault isolation and predictive maintenance.
Intellambda will be exhibiting at SUPERCOMMI2005 at McCormick Place, Chicago, IL, from June 7th to 9th. The company will be located at Booth #88054 in Hall A and will be offering demonstrations.