Gigabit Ethernet over TDM Aggregation Gateway

RAD's Egate-100 Gigabit Ethernet over TDM gateway interconnects TDM and packet-switched networks (PSNs), by aggregating Gigabit Ethernet traffic over channelized STM-1/OC-3 or three DS3 ports. Capable of connecting a large number of remote LANs over nxE1/T1, full or fractional E1/T1 circuits, the Egate-100 Gigabit Ethernet over TDM aggregation gateway functions as a bridge over an SDH/SONET environment, enabling service providers to achieve a seamless interconnection between customers connected over the TDM network and customers connected over the PSN network, while maintaining the same service attributes.

 

Together with other solutions from RAD’s EtherAccess® portfolio, the Egate-100 Gigabit Ethernet over TDM gateway is designed to provide a full Ethernet access solution from central provider sites to customer premises, while supporting delivery of Carrier Ethernet services such as Ethernet private lines (point-to-point EPL) at granular rates going up to n x E1/T1 channels.

• Leverages widely available PDH/SDH/SONET networks to deliver carrier-class Ethernet services to sites where native Ethernet is not available

• Single-box solution simplifies operations and reduces equipment costs, by replacing expensive STM-1/OC-3 routers and converter rack multi-box solutions

• Lower operating costs with device scalability, smaller footprint and low power consumption

• Enables transparent Ethernet services utilizing VLAN tagging, stacking and switching

• Carrier grade services and SLA verification with Ethernet OAM attributes

• Power and port redundancy ensure increased service availability

Ethernet services are relatively lower cost per Megabit than other access options, but they do not reach all locations. Part of RAD’s EtherAccess product suite, the Egate-100 Gigabit Ethernet over TDM aggregation gateway leverages widely available PDH/SDH/SONET networks to deliver carrier-class Ethernet services to sites where native Ethernet is not yet available. Typically situated in a central location, Egate-100 aggregates Ethernet user traffic over channelized STM-1/OC-3 or three DS3 ports. Connecting to subscriber end devices such as RAD’s RICi Ethernet NTUs, the Egate-100 Gigabit Ethernet over TDM gateway completes a full Ethernet access solution from central provider sites to customer premises. Both are part of RAD’s EtherAccess product line, designed for Carrier Ethernet service support including automated QoS (Quality of Service) evaluation and SLA (Service Level Agreement) enforcement.

Carriers can generate new revenue streams from existing infrastructure, or expand out-of-region network coverage by leasing lower-cost transmission lines as an alternative to laying new infrastructure. Enterprises and utilities are also able to take advantage of available SDH/SONET transport for new Ethernet-based applications.

 

The Egate-100 can connect up to:

• 60 remote LANs over nxE1/T1 circuits, with MLPPP

• 63 or 84 remote LANs over E1 or T1 circuits, respectively

• 126 remote LANs over fractional E1/T1 circuits 

 

This unique capability enables service providers and enterprises to provide Ethernet private line (point-to-point E-Line) services at granular rates from fractional E1 or T1 to high bandwidth n x E1/T1 channels. The Egate-100 is MEF (Metro Ethernet Forum)-9 EPL certified

 

Since the Egate-100 functions as a bridge operating over an SDH/SONET environment, service providers can achieve a seamless interconnection between customers connected over TDM networks and customers connected over packet-switched networks, while maintaining the same service attributes. Furthermore, Egate-100 is designed for IEEE 802.3-2005 (formerly 802.3ah)-based Ethernet Link OAM diagnostics, allowing for remote management and fault indication, including remote loopback.

The Egate-100 associates a bridge port and a TDM interface (e.g. a bundle of time slots, a clear channel E1/T1 or a group of bonded E1/T1 channels), in effect creating a virtual port interconnecting the packet and the TDM networks. Using the VLAN tagging and stacking (Q-in-Q) option, a special provider VLAN is added to the user traffic. This allows transporting the user traffic transparently, keeping all the user VLAN settings intact, and enables a seamless hand-off to the packet network.

 

VLAN switching permits specific VLANs to be forwarded to virtual ports, while blocking others. This enables definition of different traffic profiles for members of different VLAN domains. Management traffic is given a common profile, creating one broadcast domain in which all users are managed over a single VLAN. Assigned different VLANs, management and user traffic are kept securely separated.

Egate-100 can be managed using different ports and applications:

• Local out-of-band management via an ASCII terminal connected to the RS-232 port

• Remote in-band management via the Gigabit Ethernet ports

• One of the Gigabit Ethernet ports can be used as a dedicated management port for logical as well as physical separation of user and management traffic 

 

Network access security is ensured through the following:

• Secure (encrypted), SSL-based Web access

• Secure (encrypted) SSH-based Telnet

• RADIUS protocol for password management and authentication

 

Egate-100 is a compact, 1U-high, 19-inch wide, stand-alone device in a metal enclosure. Its channelized STM-1/OC-3 uplinks are available with SFP optical and electrical modules. DS3 ports are available with coax interfaces. The Gigabit Ethernet ports are available with 10/100/1000BaseT or 1000BaseSX/LX interface. Optional dedicated 10/100BaseT management port and an RS-232 port are available for direct connection to the management system. Power supplies include one or two AC or DC. The Egate-100 is also available in a NEBS-compliant enclosure.