Carrier and Metro Ethernet
Ethernet to the rescue. Exploding data traffic is forcing carriers to support multiple legacy and contemporary network technologies simultaneously over backhaul networks—leading to data throughput issues and operational inefficiencies. In the push to unify equipment across multiple network domains on a common backhaul technology platform, Ethernet has emerged as the technology of choice. Because of its assured scalability, simplicity in provisioning and management, and lower cost per bit of data transfer, Ethernet-based solutions are widely deployed by both wireless and wireline equipment manufacturers. It has evolved from being a pure LAN technology to a solution that can be deployed in high-performance Metro and Carrier telecommunication networks.
Carrier Ethernet is no longer seen as just a set of network technologies that provide value-added transport functions to the end-user—it’s now recognized as an opportunity to provide services to different customers. Carriers can connect customer sites on Layer 2 and become agnostic to IP or other Layer 3 protocol information about the customer network. The different service types cited in the Metro Ethernet Forum (MEF) specifications include E-Line, E-LAN and E-Tree, and these can be used for providing point-to-point, point-to-multipoint and multicast services.
Sysmetlab’s offerings for Carrier and Metro Ethernet include:
Full Feature-Set Support
Sysmetlab’s ISS provides the following advanced feature set for Carrier Ethernet:
G.8031 Ethernet Linear Protection Switching (ELPS)
Sysmetlab’s ELPS is a portable implementation of the Ethernet path protection switching mechanisms specified in the G.8031 specification from ITU-T. The G.8031 defines the specification for Ethernet linear protection of point-to-point Ethernet paths. Implementation of linear protection switching allows carrier Ethernet networks (point-to-point topology) to meet higher levels of fault tolerance, resilience and service level agreement satisfaction. Learn more >>
G.8032 Ethernet Ring Protection Switching (ERPS)
Sysmetlab’s ERPS is a portable implementation of the Ethernet path protection switching mechanisms specified in the G.8032 specification from the ITU-T. The G.8032 specifies mechanisms to protect Ethernet rings from link and node failures. Implementation of ring protection switching allows carrier Ethernet networks (ring topology) to meet higher levels of fault tolerance, resilience and service level agreement satisfaction. Learn more >>
802.3ad Link Aggregation
Sysmetlab’s Link Aggregation software is a portable implementation of the IEEE 802.3ad Link Aggregation specification, which supports both Aggregator and Aggregation Control functionalities. This software enables higher speeds and increased redundancy for improved availability. It is portable across leading RTOSs and can be interfaced with various switch hardware options. It also provides support for extensive management capabilities and is an ideal fit for CEPs and VARs looking to incorporate Link Aggregation functionality into their switching and routing devices.
802.1ad Provider Bridging (VLAN)
Sysmetlab’s Virtual LAN (VLAN) software is a complete implementation of port-based, port-and-protocol-based and MAC-based VLAN software for switched LAN environments. The software is portable to many operating systems and switch hardware designs using well-defined external interfaces. Additionally, the VLAN software can be easily integrated with our RSTP/MSTP software for Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol/Multiple Spanning Tree Protocol support. Our VLAN software provides improved administration efficiency, controlled broadcast activity and enhanced network security in a switched LAN environment.
802.1ah Provider Backbone Bridging (PBB)
Sysmetlab’s PBB software is a highly portable implementation of the bridge configuration and learning mechanisms specified in the IEEE 802.1ah. It provides a complete 802.1ah compliant Provider Backbone Bridging (PBB) functionally when used together with Sysmetlab’s or third-party modules for other features such as the MSTP (Multiple Spanning Tree Protocol), VLAN (Virtual LAN), 802.1ag / Y.1731 connectivity fault management, link aggregation and virtual context management.
802.1Qay Provider Backbone Bridging Traffic Engineering (PBB-TE)
Sysmetlab’s PBB-TE software provides support for PBB-TE (Traffic Engineering) in provider backbone bridged networks as specified in the IEEE 802.1Qay specification. It enables provisioning for traffic engineered service instances and point-to-point and point-to-multipoint Ethernet switched paths according to the IEEE 802.1Qay PBB-TE specification. It also supports co-existence with PBB bridged paths in a network.
802.3ah Ethernet Operations, Administration and Maintenance (EOAM)
Sysmetlab’s EOAM software is a feature-rich implementation of the IEEE 802.3ah specification for Ethernet OAM management and troubleshooting of Ethernet point-to-point links. This software can be ported on various operating systems and switch hardware using well-defined external interfaces. Our EOAM software provides data link layer mechanisms to the OAM sub-layer.
802.1ag Ethernet Connectivity Fault Management (ECFM) and ITU-T Y.1731
Sysmetlab’s ECFM software is a portable software implementation of the Ethernet Connectivity Fault Management specification as defined in the 802.1ag specification from the IEEE coupled with the Ethernet OAM mechanisms specified in the Y.1731 specification from the ITU-T. The software provides capabilities useful for detecting, verifying and isolating connectivity failures in Ethernet Networks and can be used in networks operated by multiple independent organizations, each with restricted access to the other’s equipment.
MEF16 Ethernet Local Management Interface (E-LMI)
E-LMI procedures and protocol are used for enabling auto-configuration of the Customer Edge (CE) switches to support Metro Ethernet services. Our E-LMI software is a portable software implementation of the Metro Ethernet Forum 16 (MEF16) specification for Ethernet Local Management Interface. This software can be ported on various operating systems and switch hardware using well-defined external interfaces. It enables a switch to provision Ethernet Virtual Circuits (EVCs) into a peer switch connected through an Ethernet point-to-point link.
Standards-Compliant Software
Sysmetlab’s ISS package complies with 802.1ag, 802.3ah, 802.1ah and 802.1Qay standards from the IEEE, as well as the Y.1731 and G.8031 standards from the ITU-T. Sysmetlab’s ISS framework also helps carriers provide services such as E-Line and E-LAN, as specified by the MEF specifications.
Pre-Integrated, Portable Software
Sysmetlab’s packet transport software frameworks and stacks are optimized for performance on multiple network processors and hardware boards. This has been achieved through a strong ecosystem of strategic partnerships with leading silicon manufacturers. The software frameworks are implemented in a modular and portable manner, which enables ease of integration into a variety of Ethernet switch designs based on different combinations of processor, operating system and Ethernet switching silicon. The software is implemented with clearly defined interfaces to other components in the switch, including abstraction layers for the operating system and switching silicon interfaces, enabling a developer or system integrator to integrate it easily.
Wide Range of Service Offerings
Delivered by professionals with deep domain expertise in Ethernet technologies, our comprehensive services include product strategy and design, product development, testing and certification, and sustenance and support.