Ethernet over SDH/SONET Add/Drop multiplexer

RAD's FCD-155E Ethernet over SDH/SONET add/drop multiplexer transports next-generation Ethernet and TDM traffic over STM-1/OC-3 fiber or copper links.

The FCD-155E add/drop multiplexer also supports E1, T1, E3, and T3 services. The traffic is mapped into the SDH/SONET frame and can be terminated at any point on the network.

Used as an add/drop multiplexer on the SDH/SONET ring (or as a terminal multiplexer at the remote site), the FCD-155E supports generic framing procedure (GFP) and virtual concatenation, enabling IP channel bandwidth configuration in increments of 2 Mbps (VC-12), 1.5 Mbps (VT 1.5) or 50 Mbps (VC-3 or STS-1) at up to 100 Mbps wire speed.

Carriers and service providers will deploy the product to leverage optical bandwidth for revenue-generating Ethernet services, while enterprises, utilities and campuses can use the FCD-155E to provide LAN services over existing fiber optic infrastructure.

• Provides revenue-generating next-generation Ethernet services while preserving investment in legacy SDH or SONET networks

• Optimizes bandwidth utilization over existing SDH or SONET networks and/or STM-1/OC-3 tributaries

• Expands Ethernet service offerings of carriers and service providers

The FCD-155E SDH/SONET multiplexer delivers next-generation Ethernet services as well as E1, T1, E3, and T3 traffic over existing SDH/SONET networks. Installed at the customer site or directly on STM-1/OC-3 access rings, the FCD-155E leverages the SDH/SONET infrastructure for Internet access and LAN connectivity, while providing continued support for all TDM services.

The FCD-155E connects LAN traffic by creating an SDH/SONET network. Support for generic framing procedure (GFP) or X.86 encapsulation with virtual concatenation enables configuring the bandwidth of the IP channel in increments of 2 Mbps (VC-12), 1.5 Mbps (VT 1.5) or 50 Mbps (VC-3 or STS-1), up to 100 Mbps wire speed, for cost-effective adaptation of the SDH/SONET infrastructure for LAN connectivity. The FCD-155E eliminates the rigid bandwidth restrictions usually imposed by SDH/SONET virtual containers, and allows for scalable and efficient delivery of next-generation Ethernet services over voice-oriented networks.

The FCD-155E acts as a LAN and E1, T1, E3, T3 groomer as well as an STM-1/OC-3 ADM. Incorporating these functions in a single device reduces the number of units needed and lowers implementation costs.

The FCD-155E brings Ethernet economics and packet-switching efficiency to existing SDH/SONET infrastructure. It thereby enables carriers and service providers, as well as private fiber network owners such as utilities and campuses, to reduce both operating and capital expenditures as they use their optical bandwidth for revenue-generating Ethernet services. 

For a modest investment, SDH/SONET carriers can exploit new business opportunities by leveraging their existing equipment to support clear channel data streams and the latest high bandwidth services.

Service providers addressing enterprise customers benefit from better utilization of network bandwidth (for example, a user who needs 10 Mbps LAN will require five VC-12 or seven VT 1.5 links instead of a full 50 Mbps VC-3 or STS-1 connection), and have the ability to offer service granularity similar to next-generation Ethernet networks. End users benefit from lower costs and a larger selection of services that can better meet their specific connectivity requirements.