Salira introduces carrier-class access architecture for Ethernet Passive Optical Networks
Salira Optical Network Systems Inc. today announced what it claims is the first carrier-class access architecture for Ethernet Passive Optical Networks (EPON) that extends the life of existing legacy TDM services, while facilitating a migration to new opportunities in packet-based multi-services.
According to the company, its architecture brings fundamental advances to the local access network by enabling improved Service Level Agreement (SLA) management, real time Dynamic Bandwidth Allocation (DBA), and remote service creation and subscriber management.
EPON's economic advantages are based on the scalability of optical Ethernet bandwidth, the shared amortization of fiber infrastructure among multiple business customers, the elimination of Outside Plant (OSP) power and electronics, and the reduction of optics and electronics in the Central Office, contend company representatives. The Salira Access Architecture further enhances basic EPON benefits by enabling service providers to deploy dynamic packet-based bandwidth services more efficiently to their business customers, while providing differentiated services for next-generation voice, data, and video networks.
The Salira Architecture will support clear channel T1/E1 network access in addition to IP-centric network access at Fast Ethernet speed. The architecture will accommodate any combination of ATM, Frame Relay, or voice, each in their native protocol.
"In the current environment, carriers are looking for ways to preserve their investment in legacy systems while providing new revenue-generating services," contends David Passmore, research director, The Burton Group. "Salira's architecture enables service providers to extend the life of existing equipment while reducing the capital andoperational expenditures associated with delivering broadband services."
The Salira Access Architecture is composed of three interlocking components: The Access Operating System, the Service Abstraction Layer, and the Access Management System.
The Access Operating System (AOS) is the software environment that delivers the hybrid capability to handle both TDM and Packet-based traffic. The architecture will recognize and transport TDM traffic in native or multi-protocol modes, which affords the traffic the benefits of constant bit rate without the overhead associated with cell or packet conversions. For packet-based traffic, the architecture utilizes a distributed processor-based set of software modules to enforce SLAs, invoke Quality of Service (QoS) parameters (such as traffic classification, shaping, policing, queuing, and scheduling), and apply the real time Dynamic Bandwidth Allocation mechanisms needed to render the desired service or application.
The Service Abstraction Layer will support the delivery of a variety of service applications like multi-protocol transport, premium class of service, IP VPN, transparent LAN, high-speed Internet, and MPLS.
The Access Management System (AMS) provides element management, service creation, and subscriber management capabilities that will interface with standardized billing systems, and support full history and reporting capability in a standard database. Additional capabilities include real time SLA monitoring and historical reporting at the port level.
For more information about Salira Optical Network Systems (Santa Clara, CA), visit the company's Web site at www.salira.com.