[February 6, 2002]

Salira Unveils Carrier-Class Access Architecture For Ethernet Passive Optical Networks

Salira Optical Network Systems, Inc. announced a carrier-class access architecture for Ethernet Passive Optical Networks (EPON) that delivers affordable broadband services by extending the life of existing legacy TDM services, while facilitating a migration to new opportunities in packet-based multi-services. Salira's architecture brings fundamental advances to the local access network by enabling unprecedented Service Level Agreement (SLA) management, real time Dynamic Bandwidth Allocation (DBA) and remote service creation and subscriber management.

"We believe that service providers should not have to re-invent the access portion of their networks," said Herb Martin, Salira's CEO. "The evolved access network should enable service providers to maintain their existing business models as they build out their IP-based networks. Rather than write off past investments, Salira will enable service providers to deliver a combination of legacy TDM services and packet-based services in an architecture that will reduce their total cost of ownership."

EPON's economic advantages are based on the scalability of optical Ethernet bandwidth, the shared amortization of fiber infrastructure among multiple business customers, the elimination of OutSide Plant (OSP) power and electronics, and the reduction of optics and electronics in the Central Office. The Salira Access Architecture further enhances basic EPON benefits by enabling service providers to deploy dynamic packet-based bandwidth services more efficiently to their business customers, while simultaneously providing differentiated services for next-generation voice, data and video networks.

Despite the widespread movement toward IP-centric networks, many voice and data services, and their revenue streams, remain TDM-based. The Salira Architecture will support clear channel T1/E1 network access in addition to IP-centric network access at Fast Ethernet speed. The architecture will accommodate any combination of ATM, Frame Relay or voice, each in their native protocol.

"In the current environment, carriers are looking for ways to preserve their investment in legacy systems while providing new revenue-generating services," said David Passmore, research director, The Burton Group. "Salira's architecture enables service providers to extend the life of existing equipment while reducing the capital and operational expenditures associated with delivering broadband services."

The Salira Access Architecture is composed of three interlocking components: The Access Operating System, the Service Abstraction Layer and the Access Management System.

At the core of the architecture is the Salira Access Operating System (AOS), a software-rich environment designed to handle the service and operational challenges of access networks today and in the future. The Salira Access Architecture is designed such that additional services and interfaces can be added with minimal impact on core software. The modular design of the AOS will enable Salira to deliver future innovations in service applications and network interface features by leveraging the core underpinnings of the AOS. The coordination of the AOS with the Service Abstraction Layer and distributed network intelligence provides enhanced reliability in the fluid network service provider environment. Continuous innovation in software is a key deliverable in the demanding carrier access market, and Salira's architecture is built from the ground up to meet this requirement.

The Access Operating System (AOS) is the software environment that delivers the hybrid capability to handle both TDM and Packet-based traffic. The architecture will recognize and transport TDM traffic in native or multi-protocol modes, which affords the traffic the benefits of constant bit rate without the overhead associated with cell or packet conversions. For packet-based traffic, the architecture utilizes a distributed processor-based set of software modules to enforce Service Level Agreements (SLAs), invoke Quality of Service (QoS) parameters (such as traffic classification, shaping, policing, queuing and scheduling), and apply the real time Dynamic Bandwidth Allocation mechanisms needed to render the desired service or application.

Based on predetermined Class of Service (CoS) parameters, this same set of software modules will coordinate the enforcement of SLAs while managing the system's overall bandwidth demands in real time. A robust Quality of Service (QoS) engine manages and enforces CoS-driven QoS levels. By constantly monitoring traffic conditions, Salira's real time Dynamic Bandwidth Allocation engine will recognize traffic profiles and re-assign bandwidth automatically to deliver against these CoS/QoS performance characteristics.

The Service Abstraction Layer will support the delivery of a variety of service applications like Multi-Protocol Transport, Premium Class of Service, IP VPN, Transparent LAN, High-Speed Internet and MPLS.

The Access Management System (AMS) provides Element Management, Service Creation and Subscriber Management capabilities that will interface with standardized billing systems, and support full history and reporting capability in a standard database. Additional capabilities include real time SLA monitoring and historical reporting at the port level. This enables the personalization of bandwidth and service to individual customers.

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