RIC-155GE Enables Cost-Effective Delivery of Gigabit Ethernet Traffic over STM-1/OC-3c Lines

Ethernet LANs running at 1000 Mbps rates have become prevalent as business traffic volume increases, driven by widespread usage of heavy data files, video and VoIP. Both carriers and enterprises need a cost-effective way to interconnect these Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) LANs over wide area networks (WANs) and metro area networks (MANs), which are still predominantly based on SDH/SONET technology. RAD has now introduced a winning solution with its new RIC-155GE intelligent converter, which offers enhanced VLAN network engineering tools, while delivering excellent price/performance for bridging GbE traffic over STM1/OC-3c lines.

 

Typical applications for the RIC-155GE are:

· VPN service extension

· Inter-carrier and enterprise GbE LAN connectivity over existing infrastructure

· Low-cost alternative to STM/OC-3 clear-channel router interfaces.

“RIC-155GE employs VLAN filtering, tagging and stacking (double-tagging) per IEEE 802.1Q to forward customer VPN traffic transparently across the SDH/SONET WAN, while keeping the users’ internal VLAN settings intact,” reports Ramon Horkany, RIC Product Line Manager at RAD Data Communications. “This also provides for secure separation of service provider management from the customer traffic, and allows all network devices to be managed using a single defined management VLAN.” Four QoS levels per IEEE 802.1p let providers offer different service levels.

 

Additionally, by fully utilizing the STM-1/OC-3c payload, the RIC-155GE enables carriers to serve more customers and connect remote locations at higher rates.

“The RIC-155GE enables service providers to deploy new generation IP devices today even while the current network infrastructure is mostly SDH/SONET. For example, a service provider can deploy an IP DSLAM at the SDH/SONET network edge to provide broadband services, and use STM-1/OC-3c links to backhaul the traffic to the core packet network,” suggests Horkany. Enterprises can connect their LAN, VoIP and video traffic using GbE over the existing SDH/SONET network, taking advantage of new packet-switched technology while benefiting from the high quality of service of SDH/SONET.

“When routers need to be connected to SDH/SONET networks, the RIC-155GE can be deployed by enterprises instead of expensive clear-channel STM-1/OC-3 router interfaces or ATM devices, allowing them to save thousands of dollars,” adds Horkany.

 

The 1U-high, compact device has a GbE port with a choice of either a 1000BaseSX optical or 1000BaseT electrical interface. The STM-1/OC-3c network port is available with a fiber interface. The RIC-155GE’s plug-and-play installation and simple operation facilitate fast deployment, with minimal training and lower maintenance costs. SNMP is used for monitoring the network and fault management, enabling central control of thousands of nodes. The ConfiguRAD Web-based element manager application simplifies product configuration.