Gigabit Ethernet over STM-1/OC-3c NTU

RAD’s RICi-155GE state-of-the-art Gigabit Ethernet network termination unit (NTU) transports Gigabit Ethernet traffic over two STM-1/OC-3 uplinks, offering bundled access rates of up to 300 Mbps. The RICi-155GE is an Ethernet network interface device (NID), enabling Carrier Ethernet services over existing SDH/SONET networks for IPDSLAM Backhauling or high-capacity Ethernet service provisioning.

 

RICi-155GE Gigabit Ethernet over Two STM-1/OC-3 NTU also allows carriers to deliver EPL and EVPL port-based and flow-based services, with flexible traffic mapping, prioritization and rate limitation.

• Allows CapEx (Capital Expenditures) reduction by leveraging existing TDM legacy infrastructure for Gigabit Ethernet traffic delivery

• Supports a balanced and scalable migration to PSNs

• Simple “plug and play” functionality enables quick roll-out of Ethernet services by alternative carriers

• New revenue-generating service options for incumbents through optimized utilization of SDH/SONET circuits

• Enables service differentiation and QoS per user port, per Ethernet flow and per class of service (EVC.CoS)

• Minimizes disruptions in service and reduces operating costs with sophisticated diagnostic tools

The RICi-155GE provides simple, efficient and cost-effective Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) connectivity over existing SDH/SONET networks. Offering product robustness and improved service availability, it allows user throughput rates of 300 Mbps, by bonding two 155 Mbps STM-1/OC-3c uplinks. Alternatively, the two SDH/SONET links can be used for redundancy (1+1). The Gigabit Ethernet ports are also protected by the link aggregation protocol (802.3ad) for increased service up time.

 

The RICi-155GE Gigabit Ethernet over two STM-1/OC-3c NTU supports generic framing procedure (GFP) or X.86 encapsulation with VCAT and LCAS bonding, enabling incremental provisioning of Ethernet bandwidth for optimized utilization of the SDH/SONET infrastructure, as well as allowing interoperability with third-party equipment.

 

This eliminates the rigid bandwidth restrictions usually imposed by SDH/SONET virtual containers and allows bandwidth flexibility for delay-sensitive applications and efficient delivery of next-generation Ethernet services over TDM networks.

Typical applications for RICi-155GE include IP DSLAM backhaul and inter-POP connectivity. Employing RAD’s unique EtherAccess® features, the RICi-155GE Gigabit Ethernet network interface device is designed to support Ethernet Private Line and Ethernet Virtual Private Line services, complying with the Metro Ethernet Forum’s MEF-9 and MEF-14 certification program. Providing carrier-grade Ethernet features, the RICi-155GE allows enterprises to share knowledge and resources at high speeds, between geographically dispersed locations or corporate functions. VLAN tagging and stacking (802.1p and 802.1Q) features ensure transparent inter-LAN traffic delivery and customer VLAN preservation.

The RICi-155GE maps user traffic into EVCs using several parameters to differentiate between various applications. Supporting service multiplexing, traffic can be classified according to customer VLAN ID or VLAN priority. Alternatively, traffic classification can be performed by ingress port, using an All-to-One Bundling scheme. End-to-end quality of service (QoS) is defined per user or per service using up to four strict priority queues, to meet different service requirements – for real-time traffic, mission critical applications and best-effort data – over a single link. Additionally, a dual leaky bucket policing mechanism (two-rate-three-color) ensures SLA enforcement according to contracted rates (CIR, CBS, EIR and EBS), per EVC and EVC.Cos.

A bi-directional fault propagation mechanism notifies the local and remote equipment about faulty conditions, enabling routers and switches on both ends of the link to divert traffic when errors are detected. In addition, the RICi-155GE incorporates Ethernet loop detection and user-configurable loop protection features.

RICi-155GE offers both in-band and out-of-band management options. Out-of-band management is performed via Fast Ethernet or RS-232 port, as well as via an ASCII terminal, while in-band management is performed either from the Gigabit Ethernet port, or remotely through an SONET/SDH uplink. Using VLAN stacking, management traffic and user traffic are transported together on the same Ethernet flow, securely separated by different VLANs.

 

Remote management is performed using the ConfiguRAD Web-based application, Telnet, or an SNMP-based management system. The RICi-155GE incorporates a variety of security protocols, including SNMPv3, Web-based (SSHv2 and SSLv3) and RADIUS authentication system.

The RICi-155GE is a 1U-high, 19-inch wide box with a rack-mount option. A NEBS- compliant 23-inch wide box is also available. Redundant hot-swappable AC or DC power supplies were incorporated for increased service reliability. The unit is available with a variety of optical ports