RAD Unveils Gigabit Ethernet-over-SDH/SONET Converter in an SFP

Increases Service Reach by Enabling Fast Rollout of Gigabit Ethernet Services over Existing TDM Infrastructure

RAD Data Communications has boosted the capacity of its unique “System on an SFP” line of miniature Ethernet remote access devices to support Gigabit Ethernet connectivity over
STM-1/OC-3 transport, providing an affordable solution for Ethernet switch vendors wishing to quickly enable Gigabit Ethernet services over SDH/SONET in a single device, as well as for similar applications in service provider, private enterprise and campus networks.

Designed for switch vendors and operators alike, the MiRICi-155 is housed in a standard SFP package complying with the Multi-Source Agreement (MSA). This enables the MiRICi-155 to be plugged into any Gigabit Ethernet device with a regular MSA-compatible socket. Deriving power from the host device, it requires no additional electricity and offers significant savings in space, cabling and power consumption. Fully managed, hot-swappable and software-configurable, the MiRICi-155 increases network flexibility by allowing quick, ad-hoc installations and easy integration. This further reduces OpEx by eliminating the need for equipment certification and integration, as well as specialized training for field technicians.

“Connecting to any Ethernet switch or router with an SFP GbE port, it significantly reduces capital expenses (CapEx) by offering a cost-effective alternative to external, standalone converter units or line cards,” explains Jacky Acoca, System on an SFP manager at RAD Data Communications. “The MiRICi-155, moreover, reduces operating expense (OpEx) by maximizing bandwidth utilization using highly efficient Ethernet over SDH/SONET mapping and standards-based encapsulation techniques,” he added.

The MiRICi-155 devices are deployed in bookend topology. Alternatively, the MiRICi SFPs are interoperable with any Ethernet switch that supports standard GFP encapsulation.

RAD’s “System on an SFP” full family also includes MiRICi-E1/T1 and MiRICi-E3/T3 miniature Ethernet remote bridges and MiTOP-E1/T1 and MiTOP-E3/T3 SFP-format pseudowire gateways.