Gigabit Ethernet over STM-4/OC-12 NTU

The RICi-622GE Ethernet network termination unit (NTU) provides simple, efficient and cost-effective Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) connectivity over two STM-4/OC-12 uplinks, supporting bundled access rates of 1.2 Gbps. It offers a migration path by connecting future-ready IP devices with 10/100/1000 Mbps interfaces to existing SONET/ SDH networks, using standard GFP, VCAT and LCAS technology.

 

Part of RAD's EtherAccess® product suite, the RICi-622GE Gigabit Ethernet over Two STM-4/OC-12 NTU delivers Carrier Ethernet services over existing SDH/SONET networks for IP DSLAM backhauling or high-capacity Ethernet service provisioning.

• 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-622E 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 1.2 Gbps, by bonding two 622 Mbps STM-4/OC-12 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-622GE Gigabit Ethernet over two STM-4/OC-12 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. Together with low-order VCAT support for sub-rate provisioning at a VT-1.5/VC-12 level, 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-622GE include IP DSLAM backhaul and inter-POP connectivity. Employing RAD’s unique EtherAccess features, the RICi-622GE Gigabit Ethernet network interface device is designed to support Ethernet Private Line (EPL) and Ethernet Virtual Private Line (EVPL)services, complying with the Metro Ethernet Forum’s MEF-9 and MEF-14 certification program.

 

Providing carrier-grade Ethernet features, the RICi-622GE 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-622GE supports OAM Connectivity Fault Management (CFM) based on IEEE 802.1ag and performance monitoring based on ITU T Y.1731, enabling Ethernet service providers to proactively monitor their services, as well as to measure end-to-end performance and guarantee that customers receive their contracted SLAs. Link-level Ethernet OAM based on IEEE 802.3-2005 (formerly 802.3ah), together with physical loopback capabilities, support local and remote link fault management.

The RICi-622GE maps Ethernet frames into a flexible priority queuing mechanism. The traffic can be mapped according to several parameters, including ingress port number, VLAN priority, IP Precedence, and DSCP. Rate limitation can be performed per Ethernet flow or per EVC.CoS at the ingress side, and per port at the egress side to ensure SLA enforcement according to contracted rates (CIR, CBS, EIR and EBS). Using VLAN tagging and stacking (802.1Q and Q-in-Q), Ethernet traffic can be delivered transparently, keeping user VLAN settings (CE-VLAN ID) intact.

The RICi-622GE features flexible management capabilities, including local management via an ASCII terminal (RS-232). In addition, remote management can be performed either inband or out-of-band, using the network or user ports, while maintaining separation between management and user traffic via the use of VLANs or the data communication channel (DCC). Advanced FCAPS (Fault, Configuration, Accounting, Performance, Security) and diagnostic tools are provided by RADview-EMS, RAD’s carrier-class element management system, via a Web browser.

 

The RICi-622GE also supports a variety of configuration access channels, including Telnet, SNMP, Web server, and TFTP. Incorporated security features include Secure Shell (SSH), Web-based Secure Socket Layer (SSL), SNMPv3, and RADIUS.

 

The device collects statistics at the Ethernet physical layer and the SONET/SDH interface frame counters.

The RICi-622GE 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 RICi-622GE is equipped with dual 1000BaseSX/LX optical or 1000BaseTX electrical Gigabit Ethernet interfaces, and two STM-4/OC-12 network ports. All fiber optics are SFP-based.