October 31, 2008 -- Aurora Networks announced that the Metro Ethernet Forum (MEF) has certified its T1/E1 over Ethernet access platform. Aurora's GT3410A module, which links TDM and metro Ethernet networks, achieved MEF-18 certification.
Aurora says it engineered the module to support the stringent latency and jitter requirements of cell tower backhaul applications. The access network platform for cable operators also enables flexible and easy-to-deploy architectures, maintains the company, including point-to-point, SMART Media Converters and Fiber on Demand to deliver T1/E1 services to commercial customers.
The modular solution supports T1/E1 port counts in increments of four and can scale up to 80 T1/E1 ports (in a 3 RU platform). In addition to providing T1/E1 services, up to 1,000 Mbps of symmetric Ethernet bandwidth can be transported between 3G base station transceivers and base station controllers.
Other key features of the GT3410A module, according to Aurora, include: latency engineered to one millisecond for stringent cell tower backhaul applications; addition of T1/E1 local loop application to existing transparent LAN service for campus interconnection; 1 RU rack-mount and wall-mount options; high availability redundant powering options; MEF-18, MEF-9 and MEF-14 certification; advanced T1/E1 and Ethernet access diagnostic features (802.3ah OAM) such as loopback and dying gasp; and flexible clock synchronization options.
"Carrier Ethernet is proven to be more scalable, reliable and cost effective than legacy TDM-based technologies," comments Shridhar Kulkarni, product manager with Aurora Networks. "By supporting Gigabit Ethernet backhaul while preserving the existing investments in TDM infrastructure, the GT3410A delivers a compelling business case for cable operators to tap into the multibillion dollar cell tower backhaul market."
"The development of Aurora's T1/E1 product is an important step in extending cable's node-based commercial solutions. With its low latency, high availability and extended reach, it is an exciting addition to Aurora's portfolio of Access Network Solutions," adds Doug Combs, Aurora's vice president of network architectures and field services.
Aurora will begin shipping the modules this quarter, with general availability slated for the first quarter of 2009.
On the Web:
www.aurora.com
www.metroethernetforum.org