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The TXC-04226 EtherMapT-3 is a VLSI solution for full-duplex mapping of Ethernet traffic into the Sonet/SDH transport network.
The EtherMap-3 supports eight 10/100 Ethernet ports or one Gigabit Ethernet port to deliver a broad range of both Sonet/SDH and Ethernet processing functionality.
By incorporating both the new standardised link layer framing protocols, GFP (Generic Framing Procedure), LAPS (Link Access Procedure for SDH) and LAPF (Link Address Procedure Framed-mode) and the new virtual concatenation (VC) standards, the EtherMap-3 will allow service providers and end customers to meet the increased demand for emerging private line Ethernet transport and transparent LAN services in the metro access/edge environment.
As the first device in the industry to combine several unique bandwidth allocation features and framing protocols, the EtherMap-3 provides the mechanisms for flexible transport of Ethernet streams over Sonet/SDH along with dynamic channel assignment granularity.
By incorporating an Ethernet media access control (MAC) function, a sophisticated buffering strategy, 84 channel VT/TU (virtual tributary/tributary unit) mapping, VC-3/VC-4 mapping and virtual concatenation, the EtherMap-3 can provide intelligent flexible broadband multi-megabit Ethernet services over Sonet/SDH.
The EtherMap-3 provides both high and low order path overhead processing for Sonet/SDH channels and connects to upstream Sonet/SDH overhead termination devices through a byte parallel 19.44MHz Telecom bus interface for STM-1/STS-3/STS-3c payloads.
Both low order virtual tributary and high order virtual container (VC-3/VC-4) concatenation schemes are implemented per the latest ITU-T standards.
Each of the eight Ethernet ports can be independently configured to use any one of the framing protocols (GFP, LAPS or LAPF) to form a customised bandwidth channel (VC group) that efficiently carries the data without wasting any costly leased line Sonet/SDH bandwidth.
"Traditionally, carriers and service providers that have service level agreements (SLAs) or contracts with their customers have paid a severe penalty in order to compensate for transport inefficiencies and the bandwidth mismatch that exists between Ethernet and Sonet/SDH by over-provisioning their circuits to ensure reliable delivery of data.
Both proprietary techniques and established methods using internetworking routers have been rigid and costly including packet over Sonet (PoS) scheme.
These costly schemes can now be replaced with this innovative and cost effective way to provide flexible bandwidth in small or large increments", stated Robert Schwaber, TranSwitch's Product Marketing Manager.
Ethernet over Sonet/SDH (EoS) protocol integrated into a robust carrier class mapping device like the EtherMap-3 effectively bridges the gap between Sonet/SDH and Ethernet LANs allowing a transparent LAN services (TLS).
OEM suppliers and service providers will be able to leverage this technology to extend their applications to encompass these new revenue generating features.
Both enterprise Ethernet switch vendors looking to add WAN Sonet connectivity and transmission manufacturers looking to aggregate LAN client traffic coming from the premise or MTU (multitenant unit) will benefit from this solution.
This will include WAN-enabled Ethernet switches, enhanced add/drop Multiplexers (ADMs), terminal multiplexers, DSU/CSUs, integrated access devices (IADs), premise multi-service switches and remote termination units with Sonet uplinks and integrated access devices.
"Another significant advantage to implementing EoS technology will be the decreased need for routing functions everywhere.
Using a logical transparent connection over the Sonet/SDH WAN for corporate LAN interconnect or POP access, enhanced Ethernet switches will negate the need for routers for these types of applications", noted Schwaber.
Another key aspect of the EtherMap-3 is LCAS, Link Capacity Adjustment Scheme, a companion protocol to virtual concatenation which works to dynamically increase or decrease the number of Sonet/SDH channels in a WAN, thereby controlling the guaranteed bandwidth being allocated over the TDM infrastructure.
Degrading or failing SONET/SDH channel performance or alternately periods of peak traffic flow can be handled easily using this mechanism.
Delay compensation and flow control functionality is additionally provided in EtherMap-3 to account for the variance in data rates between Ethernet and Sonet/SDH and handle over-subscription scenarios.
This will ensure that end users may complete data transactions during periods of peak traffic, with high bandwidth utilisation and data integrity.
The EtherMap-3, in combination with TranSwitch's Phast-3N Sonet/SDH terminator and family of mapper devices, such as the TL3M and TEMx28, provides for a complete end-to-end multi-service EoS system.
The EtherMap-3 has also been designed to work seamlessly with complementary Ethernet switching and line interface components from other vendors.
EtherMap-3 is a low power 0.18-micron technology device operating at 1.8 and 3.3V, and is rated for industrial temperature range operation (-40 to +85C).
TranSwitch provides a full suite of support materials for the EtherMap-3, including an easy-to-use API-based device driver, application notes, BSDL file, IBIS model, evaluation kit, and comprehensive documentation - all backed by TranSwitch's world-class application engineering services.
The device is scheduled for customer trials in Q2 and will be priced at $125 each for quantities of 10k units.
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