Hanover – KEYMILE’s multi-service access platform UMUX has now been improved with a new Ethernet aggregation unit. It enhances the switching and routing functions of UMUX and enables direct connection of Ethernet networks and UMUX Ethernet interfaces to PDH and SDH networks. In addition, it consolidates Ethernet traffic in several TDM channels, thus offering a reliable way to provide higher bandwidth Ethernet and traditional TDM-based services out of one network element.
KEYMILE, one of the leading providers of next-generation data transmission systems, has extended its UMUX platform’s Ethernet functionality significantly. UMUX is a multi-service access platform that provides a variety of PDH, SDH and Ethernet services for public and private network operators.
The ongoing proliferation of Ethernet-based services presents many network operators with the challenge of having to upgrade their infrastructures with Ethernet technology while at the same time they continue to use PDH and SDH transport. The new unit aggregates Ethernet data traffic using Layer 2 and Layer 3 functionality for transport over TDM-based networks, so the capacity of the transmission network is ideally used. Network operators can now use advanced Ethernet and traditional TDM-based services simultaneously, with UMUX being the only network element providing all services.
The new unit offers switching functions for Ethernet traffic from other UMUX units or from each of its front ports. To provide isolation of user traffic and highest privacy of user data, it supports several independent VLAN-aware switch instances and the creation of separate layer 2 networks.
The Ethernet unit also consolidates the Ethernet services, provided with UMUX units, and serves simultaneously as a gateway for these services towards the PDH and SDH network, also with the option to use MLPPP. It interworks with all UMUX-PDH units that supply Ethernet services. KEYMILE’s network management system, UNEM, looks after the administration. UNEM provides all the functions required for operating and carrying out maintenance on complex UMUX networks.
Many functions for high-availability applications are implemented on TDM, e.g. 1+1 path protection, and sub-network connection protection (SNCP). Others are implemented on Ethernet, e.g. virtual router redundancy protocol (VRRP) and open shortest path first (OSPF) protocol.
The most important applications for the new unit are in networks requiring data transmission of Ethernet services via TDM-based technology; particularly those with the highest requirements for transmission safety like energy suppliers, TETRA networks or military applications.