RAD Access Solution Deployed in Ukraine to Extend Ethernet End-to-End over Existing SDH Networks
Solution to Extend Ethernet Links to Small Cities in 26 Regions Lacking Fiber Infrastructure
June 26, 2007: Ukrtelecom, the state-owned telecommunications operator in Ukraine, has deployed a single-vendor access solution from RAD Data Communications to provide end-to-end Ethernet service throughout the country over its existing PDH/SDH networks.
By enabling Ethernet over existing PDH/SDH infrastructure, Ukrtelecom's goal was to maximize operational flexibility, lower operating expenses (Opex) by using simple Layer 2 solutions, reduce capital expenses (Capex) by avoiding investment in expensive next-generation SDH equipment and cut both Capex and Opex by deploying a single box solution at their central offices. RAD's carrier-class solution, moreover, provides full protection, including over tributaries, which is a feature unique to the market.
Full Access Solution From Central Site to Customer Premises
At the customer premises, therefore, Ukrtelecom deployed RAD's RICi-8E1 Network Termination Units (NTUs). These devices, owned and operated by the carrier, transport Fast Ethernet LAN and Internet services (IP DSLAM backhauling) over up to eight bonded E1 lines to an SDH backbone. SDH backbones covering 26 regions around the country, in turn, converge on a central MPLS network. Multiple E1 lines are groomed together onto a single STM-1 link using RAD's Optimux-1551 STM-1 high-capacity terminal multiplexer and then handed to RAD's Egate-100 channelized Ethernet gateway, which interconnects with Gigabit Ethernet traffic on the MPLS network. Together, these RAD products provide a full access solution from Ukrtelecom’s central site all the way to each customer’s premises.
"This is a very cost-effective solution for a carrier seeking to extend its Ethernet customer base by linking up small cities that lack fiber infrastructure," explains Alexey Bobrov, of S&T, the RAD Data Communications partner in Ukraine that served as the project’s system integrator. "The project has made a substantial contribution towards expanding Ethernet service throughout the country."
Ukraine has steadily modernized and expanded its domestic trunk infrastructure since gaining independence in December 1991. The number of telephone lines in the country, for example, rose from 12.1 million to 17.2 million between 2004 and 2005 alone, an impressive, if not amazing growth of approximately 42 percent in twelve months. During the past several years, moreover, Ukraine has connected five trunk lines to fiber optic cable to link the country to Europe on the west, Asia to the east and the Mediterranean to the south. But great expanses in Europe's second-largest country are not reached by any fiber optic infrastructure whatsoever.
About RAD
Founded in 1981, RAD Data Communications is now marking 25 years of innovation as an industry leader in the development of access solutions for data and telecommunications applications. RAD’s solutions serve the data and voice access requirements of service providers, incumbent and new carriers, and enterprise networks, by reducing infrastructure investment costs while boosting competitiveness and profitability. The company's installed base exceeds 10,000,000 units and includes more than 150 carriers and operators around the world. These customers are supported by 23 RAD offices and more than 300 channel partners in 164 countries.
RAD is a member of the RAD Group of companies, a world leader in networking and internetworking product solutions.