FORE Systems recently used the Supercomm `99 trade show in Atlanta as a launching pad for a group of significant carrier-class features for its ForeRunner ASX-4000 switch, making it the premier switching platform for building out the next generation network. The ASX-4000 now boasts not only first-to-market OC-48c ATM ports, true 40 Gbps non-blocking switching capacity, and market-leading signaling and routing performance, but also carrier-class redundancy, traffic management, timing and certifications.
"With new feature enhancements such as redundancy and the network management capabilities provided through our recent acquisition of Euristix, we have significantly enhanced our competitiveness in the public ATM segment," said Milton Thorne, director of operations at FORE Systems, southern Africa.
"We`re introducing a software upgrade to the existing ASX-4000 platform that provides SONET APS (Automatic Protection Switching), 1+1 port, port card and fabric redundancy. When combined with the existing redundant elements of Switch Control Processors (SCPs), power supplies and fan units, the ASX-4000 delivers true carrier-class availability." High availability networks demand products that conform to the highest levels of network timing and product certifications. The ASX-4000 has been independently certified to comply with NEBS (Network Equipment Building Systems) level 3 safety and emission standards. The ASX-4000 will also support a Building Integrated Timing Systems (BITS) interface. This new feature provides a connection point for DS1 and E1 Stratum 1 links and incorporates an on-board Stratum 3 clock providing hitless failover/holdover in the event of a loss of external timing. Traffic Management for Converged IP and ATM Access
As the public network transitions from TDM-based access to converged ATM and IP (Internet Protocol) access, switches in the central office require new levels of traffic management. To meet this demand, FORE is introducing its second generation of ASX-4000 port cards. The new Series 2 port cards incorporate an innovative technology called hierarchical shaping, giving service providers the keys to unlock the multi-service potential of their ATM and IP backbones.
DSLAM Aggregation for Internet and VPN Connectivity
In addition to the enhanced traffic management features, Series 2 also introduces the first of FORE`s channelised optical interfaces providing DS3 ATM access via an OC-12 interface. Equipped with these new port cards, the ASX-4000 is capable of supporting over 375 DS3 ATM connections. By coupling the scalability of the new hierarchical shaping features with the tremendous densities available on the channelized port card, the ASX-4000 delivers a powerful solution to service providers looking for ways to aggregate DSLAM (Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer) traffic onto their networks.
New Processor for Enhanced Service Delivery
A new switch control processor for the ASX-4000 provides increased service capacity by processing nearly 5 000 000 voice or data calls/hour. Coupled with the recently announced hierarchical PNNI (Private Network-to-Network Interface) functionality, this improved call rate performance provides customers with the best platform in the industry for handling voice telephony over an ATM+IP network.
"Put simply, the best just got better," added Niel Viljoen, senior vice president and general manager of FORE`s Service Provider Business Unit. "Our service provider customers require reliable, high-performance products that can meet stringent service level contracts. These new enhancements for the ASX-4000 turn the industry`s most-honored, true 40 Gigabit-per-second ATM backbone switch into a robust carrier-class network component." Ends
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