Telco Systems debuts T-Metro 7224 for MPLS in access networks/BroadLight announces small, low-power GPON processor

MAY 10, 2010 — Telco Systems, a BATM company (LSE: BVC), has announced the availability of the T-Metro 7224, a platform designed to bring Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) closer to the customer without the high cost and complexity generally associated with MPLS networks.

The T-Metro 7224, along with Telco Systems’ soon to be released service management platform, is the first step in the company’s overall strategy to enable simple and cost-effective multi-service-oriented access networks for service providers and mobile backhaul operators. Designed as a provider edge device, the T-Metro 7224 can augment a carrier’s network architecture by replacing the Layer 2 aggregation with a full MPLS PE approach, Telco Systems says. By moving more intelligence into the aggregation layer, the carrier reduces the costs and complexities associated with the core equipment, while improving the efficiencies of their network and offering a better customer experience, according to the company.

“We utilized our extensive experience in MPLS access switches to solve a major challenge for our customers, who have found that the technical advantages of MPLS in the access network do not outweigh the operational cost and complexities of back office integration and personnel training,” stated Nir Daube, vice president of product management for Telco Systems. “The T-Metro 7224 is both feature-rich and extremely cost effective; priced at about half the cost of the typical carrier-grade 10 Gigabit Ethernet aggregation switch, and uses half the power. This quick payback ultimately translates into a better bottom line for the provider.”

The T-Metro 7224 is designed to extend MPLS, quality of service, multicast, and IPv6 features into Ethernet access and aggregation networks. Multiple transport options including VPLS, 802.1ad, and the ability to support up to 256k MAC addresses provide flexibility and scalability in the metro access network to support large-scale MPLS-based Ethernet VPNs to E-Line, E-LAN, and E-Tree connectivity at Layer 2. Future support for MPLS-TP will be available upon ratification of the standard, Telco Systems asserts.

The T-Metro 7224 is equipped with Ethernet OAM tools to support end-to-end service management. These OAM features plus HQoS offer the mechanisms needed to ensure service delivery regardless of bandwidth availability, the company concludes.

The T-Metro’s flexible design can support eight fixed 10/100/1000Base-T or SFP-based 100/1000Base-FX/X ports; 16 SFP 100Base-FX ports; and four XFP-based 10 Gigabit ports. HQoS and enhanced MPLS are supported on all ports. The system is built around the Company’s Linux-based BiNOX operating system.

MAY 17, 2010 — Gateway and GPON semiconductor supplier BroadLight has unveiled the BL2341 GPON SFU/SFP Processor, a new member of its GPON processor family. The BL2341 is the industry’s smallest and lowest power GPON processor, BroadLight asserts.

The GPON processor comes in a 13×13 LFBGA package and consumes less then 1 W, BroadLight says. The BL2341 also leverages the company’s GPON software suite that enables small form factor designs.

“With the introduction of the BL2341 we are optimizing our product to support the emerging GPON market segment of small and miniature data only ONTs,” said Raanan Gewirtzman, CEO of BroadLight.