Omnitron announces enhancements to iConverter fiber access platform
May 9, 2006 Irvine, CA -- Omnitron Systems Technology, a provider of fiber-optic access systems for Ethernet networks, has introduced a suite of hardware modules and software enhancements for the company' iConverter Ethernet access device platform. The iConverter platform provides managed, "end-to-end" media conversion and modular optical Ethernet demarcation for service provider and enterprise networks.
The company's new fiber-to-fiber modules include: the iConverter 2FXM, a 2-port Fast Ethernet network interface device (NID) with integrated network management services; the iConverter 2GXM, a 2-port Gigabit Ethernet NID with integrated network management services; and small form pluggable (SFP) transceivers for the 2FXM and 2GXM NIDs, as well as for the company's copper-to-fiber GX/TM and 10/100-Mbit NIDs.
Software enhancements for the platform include: version 3.2 of the company's NetOutlook SNMP management software, featuring hardware support and auto-discovery for Omnitron devices; and graphical user interface (GUI) control facilities for 802.3ah extensions and the company's Secure IP-less OAM management modes.
The NIDs are available in standalone units and modular chassis configurations. Plug-in modules can be combined in a 2-, 5-, or 19-module chassis and share data via Ethernet backplane ports to enable Ethernet access and demarcation for multiple customer access ports.
The iConverter NIDs support the 802.1Q VLAN protocol with Q-in-Q functionality to enable E-Line and E-LAN services; and 802.1p Quality of Service (QoS) prioritization for real-time voice and video over Ethernet. Bandwidth control functionality is also available to deliver rate-based service differentiation. The company says the NIDs' built-in management capability eliminates the cost of additional hardware to manage a one or two slot Ethernet demarcation point. The company says the SFP fiber connector option for the NIDs can also reduce costs by providing flexible fiber connectivity and minimizing equipment inventories.
The iConverter equipment can be managed with the compay's SNMP-based NetOutlook Version 3.2 management software, via third-party SNMP software, and via Telnet or serial console port. The NetOutlook software has an intuitive interface that can remotely monitor network status, configure equipment, and receive trap (alarm) notifications. The iConverter NIDs support remote OAM management with either the IEEE 802.3ah standard or the company's Secure IP-less OAM management.
Secure OAM is an encrypted, IP-less management channel that enhances the OAM capability of the iConverter system and provides two benefits. First, it allows management of a large number of individual NIDs and high-density chassis through one IP address. Secondly, it provides an added level of security for the management channel that is not affected by customer traffic on the system. The company contends that these comprehensive management capabilities reduce opex by enabling quick diagnosis of network problems, while reducing truck rolls and maximizing user uptime.