Innovative Access Solutions
| |||
| |||
| |||
|
Dear Colleague, Ethernet Link Layer and Service OAM
OAM was originally developed by network operators to make TDM networks more reliable and maintainable. The success of the OAM mechanisms in reducing network maintenance costs was so evident that it was natural to attempt to extend them to modern frame and packet-based networks. However, unlike TDM networks that are inherently predictable and stable, packet switched networks routinely lose packets due to errors, congestion, or policy decisions. Hence, for frame and packet based networks, OAM mechanisms become both more important and more difficult to implement. Ethernet originated as a Local Area Network (LAN) technology, with LANs usually consisting of a relatively small number of co-located stations, all managed by a single entity. Defect location could be performed “by eye,” and performance was never a concern. As Ethernet developed, LANs were interconnected but still managed by a single entity (although now an enterprise). OAM was still not a major concern, and network defects were handled by manual activation of tools such as IP ping. True Carrier Class Performance
In order to enable Ethernet service providers to operate and maintain their networks, there is a need for OAM at the Ethernet layer. This new OAM must integrate seamlessly with existing Ethernet protocols to encourage adoption while enabling coexistence with conventional non-OAM-capable Ethernet devices. Two different Ethernet OAM protocols have emerged. Ethernet link layer OAM was developed by the IEEE for “Ethernet in the First Mile” (EFM) applications, and monitors single Ethernet links, while Ethernet service layer OAM, being developed by the IEEE and ITU, tackles the wider problem of ensuring end-to-end Ethernet connectivity and service guarantees. In March, RAD Data Communications will unveil the world’s first-to-market pre-standard implementation of ITU Y.1731 and IEEE 802.1ag, which allow for end-to-end Ethernet Operations, Administration and Maintenance (OAM). Y.1731 and 802.1ag specifically define the end-to-end OAM capabilities that are intrinsic to Ethernet technology, enabling service providers to monitor the Ethernet service that the customer receives. The RAD concept is based on the deployment of carrier-owned intelligent Ethernet Network Termination Units (E-NTUs) at the customer premises. An intelligent E-NTU focuses on the carrier’s needs by providing clear demarcation and service control up to the customer premises. By owning the termination equipment at the customer premises, service providers can ensure reliable service delivery at the formal hand-off to the customer. RAD has incorporated this intelligent demarcation concept into its ETX series of carrier-class E-NTUs, which deliver managed Ethernet services end-to-end over the fiber local loop, enabling the provision of services such as inter-office LAN connectivity, Internet access and Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). The concept has also been incorporated into the company’s RIC line of Ethernet-over-PDH/SDH/SONET NTUs. RAD’s unique portfolio of OAM-empowered Ethernet access product solutions, therefore, ranges the full gamut from customer-located demarcation devices to channelized Ethernet gateways, integrated access devices, multiservice concentrators, wireless multiplexers, and media converters.
RAD to Launch "System on an SFP™" Series of Ethernet over E1/T1, E3/T3 Access Solutions
Maxim Integrated Products, RAD Data Communications to Jointly Offer Pseudo-Wire Solution Maxim Integrated Products, one of the largest international suppliers of quality analog and mixed-signal products for applications that require real-world signal processing, and Dallas Semiconductor, its wholly-owned subsidiary, and RAD Data Communications, have announced that they have worked together to produce a new, unique line of chips for circuit emulation services over Next Generation networks. Read the full story RAD Joins Other Vendors to Demonstrate Interoperable Converged MPLS Services
RAD's Strategy for Cellular Backhaul over Packet Networks Gains Industry Momentum
Vatican City Deploys RAD Ethernet Access Solution The Telephone Service of the Vatican State, which is responsible for the study, installation and management of the telecommunications infrastructure in Vatican City, has deployed a series of Ethernet access solutions from RAD Data Communications. Read the full
story Optimux-45 and Optimux-45L
FCD-155E
|
Operation, Administration, and Maintenance (OAM) functionality enables network operators to monitor compliance to Quality of Service (QoS) guarantees, detect anomalies before they escalate, isolate and bypass network defects, and thus offer binding service level agreements. Networks without OAM functionality require frequent manual intervention to detect and localize failures, measure performance parameters, etc. and hence have lower availability and longer down-times, while being more expensive to maintain.
With the introduction of Metro Ethernet Networks and the advent of “Carrier Class Ethernet” the situation has changed radically. These networks need to be managed by service providers, and in order to be truly “carrier class” it is essential for wide area Ethernet to support automated defect detection and performance measurement. In order to guarantee SLAs, service layer parameter monitoring is also required. IP-based tools such as ping and traceroute are not suitable for pure Ethernet networks and even when IP is being run they function at a higher layer, and thus do not unambiguously relate to the underlying Ethernet network.
At CeBIT 2006 in Hanover, Germany, RAD will unveil the MiRIC series of miniaturized Fast Ethernet-over-PDH and SDH/SONET connectivity devices, the first implementation in a new series of Ethernet First Mile access solution. Housed in standard SFP (Small Form-factor Pluggable) packages, the MiRIC can be plugged into any regular MSA (Multi-Source Agreement) compatible socket, providing remote bridging over E1/T1 and E3/T3 lines. 
RAD Data Communications was one of fifteen vendors that participated in a live demonstration of interoperability, resiliency, multicast, and Quality of Service (QoS) assured MPLS network services to support emerging triple-play and business applications that took place at the MPLS World Congress in Paris. 
At the 3GSM World Congress, held February 12-16 in Barcelona, RAD Data Communications exhibited the company's unique portfolio of products supporting cellular backhaul over packet switched networks. These products form the heart of RAD's cellular backhaul strategy to be the first vendor of choice among cellular operators and service providers in migrating TDM circuits from 2G networks and ATM traffic from 3G to the new Ethernet/IP/MPLS backbone networks. 
The Optimux-45 and Optimux-45L are manageable multiplexers that provide a highly cost-effective and simple solution for transporting multiple E1/T1 links, as well as a combination of E1 and T1 (according to ITU G.747), over a standard T3 electrical signal or fiber link. They provide flexible solutions to meet the specific requirements of a broad range of applications. The Optimux devices are especially suitable in wireless ring applications. 
The FCD-155E next generation SDH/SONET add/drop multiplexer is a simple and cost effective solution for providing E1, T1, E3, T3, STM-1/OC-3, and Ethernet over SDH/SONET networks. Used as an add/drop multiplexer on the SDH/SONET ring (or as a terminal multiplexer at the remote site), the FCD-155E improves next generation Ethernet bandwidth efficiency via generic framing procedure, X.86 encapsulation with virtual concatenation, and also supports TDM mapping for termination at any point in the SDH/SONET network. The FCD-155E is ideal in "protected VPN over SDH/SONET" applications.
A PDF version of the recently updated second edition of RAD's 2006 RAD international catalog may now be downloaded at 