PMC-Sierra announces next-generation Ethernet over SONET/SDH mapper

January 30, 2006

PMC-Sierra introduced the PM4390 ARROW M8xFE, a GE or 10/100 Ethernet over SONET/SDH (EoS) mapping device, which integrates grooming, aggregation and Ethernet Operation Administration and Maintenance (OAM) functions. The enhanced features of the ARROW M8xFE provide:

-- Standards-based OAM features that carriers require for mainstream adoption of Ethernet in the last mile access;

-- Greater flexibility in Service Level Agreements (SLA) for enterprise Ethernet access; and

-- A cost-effective data mapping solution for IP DSLAM and 3G BTS backhaul.

"With the delivery of the ARROW M8xFE, our second generation data mapping solution, we have achieved the advanced function set and cost point required for Ethernet Access backhaul platforms," said Dino Bekis, vice president of marketing and applications for PMC-Sierra's Communication Products Division.

Leveraging proven PM5333 ARROW 8xFE technology, the ARROW M8xFE enables PMC-Sierra's 10/100 EoS customers to develop new feature enhanced data cards for their metro access platforms and reuse their existing software, reducing development costs and time to market.

Bringing PDH-like Performance Monitoring and OAM to Last Mile Ethernet Access

Targeting last mile Ethernet access, the integrated support for Ethernet OAM, as defined by the 802.3ah EFM standard, along with link monitoring and fault signaling, enables remote performance monitoring comparable to legacy T1/E1 services. The integrated rate limiting and policing capabilities of the ARROW M8xFE allow carriers to provide flexible service models like Ethernet Private Line and Ethernet Virtual Private Line to their Enterprise customers. The integrated packet manipulation capability supports standards-based VLAN or MPLS encapsulation, enabling interworking with next-generation IP/MPLS converged metro core networks.

IP DSLAM and 3G IP Base Station Backhaul Applications

Beyond Ethernet business access, the adoption of Ethernet uplinks in DSLAMs and 3G wireless base stations will dramatically increase the demand for Ethernet ports in the last mile access. These high-volume, cost-sensitive access backhaul applications were the main drivers for integration of packet multiplexing and OAM capabilities. By eliminating the need for an external packet-processing element, ARROW M8xFE is one of the most cost-effective data mapping solutions available.