Single-Box Solution for Aggregating and Switching Fast Ethernet over E1/T1 Saves up to 70% on Equipment Costs

RAD Data Communications has released the Egate-20 Ethernet over Channelized E1/T1 Gateway, which enables seamless Fast Ethernet LAN connectivity between remote LANs over existing SDH/SONET networks. Typically situated in a central location, the gateway aggregates and switches user LAN traffic received over E1/T1 circuits from up to eight remote devices such as RAD’s RICi-E1, RICi-T1, FCD-E1, or ASMi-52. The aggregated LAN traffic is then handed off to the packet-switched backbone via the gateway’s Fast Ethernet ports.

 

Although customer demand for popular Ethernet LAN services today is high and packet-switched networks are undoubtedly the way of the future, many areas still lack a fiber infrastructure while SDH/SONET backbones are prevalent. “Our device provides a solution to service providers that want to deliver Ethernet over E1/T1 circuits and then hand the Ethernet traffic to a packet-switched backbone,” explains Ramon Horkany, Egate Product Line Manager at RAD. These include new service providers that typically transport their customers’ LANs over an existing SDH/SONET infrastructure. Alternatively, service providers backhauling small IP DSLAM traffic over E1/T1 circuits, or backhauling Ethernet traffic over E1/T1 radio links, can utilize the Egate-20 Ethernet over Channelized E1/T1 Gateway to suit their needs.

 

“Large enterprises or utilities that maintain their own networks can also benefit from this solution, since it will allow them to connect remote offices that are not currently reached due to an absence of next-generation infrastructure in the field,” adds Horkany.

The Egate-20 Ethernet over Channelized E1/T1 Gateway reduces the service provider or operator’s capital expenses by offering a compact, single-box solution for aggregating and switching remote LAN traffic over unframed E1 or Framed T1 circuits. “The gateway replaces current solutions based on expensive multiple channelized E1/T1 routers or multi-box solutions based on converter racks and switches,” states Horkany. “The cost savings on equipment alone with our solution can be up to 70 percent.”

 

A single device also means simplified installation, training and maintenance, and thus, lower Opex. The gateway is conveniently monitored and managed remotely via Telnet, a Web browser or SNMP (RADview-Lite), using either an in-band or out-of-band connection. Diagnostic tools for both the TDM and Ethernet ports are provided for fast fault isolation. Its compact, 1U-high, 19-inch wide size saves valuable space.

The device supports three levels of QoS, based on VLAN priority (802.1p), IP Precedence and DSCP, allowing user traffic separation and prioritization so that delay-sensitive services such as video or VoIP can be provided. Traffic switching can be according to VLAN tags, MAC addresses. It also supports VLAN tagging and stacking and enabling transparent LAN Services, keeping customer VLAN settings intact and management traffic secure.

In introducing the Egate-20 Ethernet over Channelized E1/T1 Gateway, along with the higher-capacity Egate-100 Gigabit Ethernet over STM-1/OC-3 Gateway, RAD now offers a complete packet-over-SDH/SONET solution that also includes intelligent converters, CSU/DSUs, intelligent modems, and inverse multiplexers.