PMC-Sierra launches carrier-class Ethernet-over-SONET/SDH mapper

Jan. 31, 2006

January 31, 2006 Santa Clara, CA -- PMC Sierra has introduced its PM4390 ARROW M8xFE mapping device. The company says the device integrates grooming, aggregation, and Ethernet operation, administration, and maintenance (OAM) functions for Gigabit Ethernet and 10/100 Ethernet over SONET/SDH networks.

According to the company, the enhanced features of the ARROW M8xFE device provide: standards-based OAM features that carriers require for mainstream adoption of "Ethernet in the last mile" access; greater flexibility in service level agreements (SLA) for enterprise Ethernet access; and a cost-effective data mapping solution for IP DSLAM and 3G BTS backhaul.

"PMC-Sierra continues to lead the emerging industry requirements for carrier-class Ethernet solutions," comments Dino Bekis, vice president of marketing and applications for PMC-Sierra's Communication Products division. "With the delivery of the ARROW M8xFE, our second generation data mapping solution, we have achieved the advanced function set and cost point required for Ethernet access backhaul platforms."

Leveraging the company's PM5333 ARROW 8xFE technology, the company says the ARROW M8xFE device enables development of enhanced data cards for metro access platforms, while allowing EoS customers to re-use their existing software. According to the company, bringing PDH-like performance monitoring and OAM to last mile Ethernet access, the device's integrated support for Ethernet OAM, as defined by the 802.3ah EFM standard, along with support for link monitoring and fault signaling, enables remote performance monitoring comparable to legacy T1/E1 services.

Further, the company says the device's integrated rate limiting and policing capabilities allow carriers to provide flexible service models such as Ethernet Private Line and Ethernet Virtual Private Line services to enterprise customers. The device's integrated packet manipulation capability supports standards-based VLAN or MPLS encapsulation, enabling inter-working with next-generation IP/MPLS converged metro core networks.

According to the company, beyond Ethernet business access, the adoption of Ethernet uplinks in DSLAMs and 3G wireless base stations will dramatically increase the demand for Ethernet ports in the last mile access; the company says such high-volume, cost-sensitive access backhaul applications were the main drivers for integration of packet multiplexing and OAM capabilities within the device.