Optical signal multiplexer card having front panel access to electrical and optical connectors for use in compact enclosure for optical signal multiplexer cards | Patent Publication Number 20120039608
US 20120039608 A1Gary M. Miller
Bruce M. Lipski
David O. Corp
A reduced size multiplexer and, in particular, a reduced size optical signal multiplexer module is provided for use in a reduced size enclosure. The optical signal multiplexer module has electrical and optical connectors on its faceplate to provide ease in access without having to remove the optical signal multiplexer from the enclosure. The optical signal multiplexer circuit is configured in a standard Type 400 mechanics circuit board arrangement. The optical signal multiplexer module therefore can be inserted into an enclosure in a direction opposite to that in which the DS1 or DS3 connector projects from the face plate, so that the DS1 or DS3 connector remains freely accessible outside of the enclosure when the optical signal multiplexer module is fully loaded into the enclosure. DS1 and DS3 cables and optical fibers can thus be easily coupled to the DS1 and DS3 and optical connectors, respectively, when the SONET multiplexer circuit is fully loaded into the enclosure.
- 1. An optical signal multiplexer comprising:nat least one optical port operable to receive and transmit optical signals of at least 155.520 Megabits per second (Mb/s);at least one electrical connector providing a plurality of lower rate signal ports operable to receive and transmit electrical signals;an optical interface to receive an optical signal via said at least one optical port and convert it into an electrical signal;an optical signal terminator configured to locate frames in said electrical signal received from said optical interface and extract selected overhead bytes in said frames;a mapper operable to use data from said electrical signal received from said optical interface and said selected overhead bytes to generate a plurality of lower rate signal streams; anda line interface unit operable to convert said lower rate signal streams into respective analog signals for transmission from said at least one electrical connector, said line interface unit being operable to receive analog signals via said at least one electrical connector and convert them to corresponding digital signals comprising lower rate signal, said mapper being operable to format said digital signals as an optical stream, said optical signal terminator being operable to append selected overhead bytes to said stream for transmission via said optical interface and said at least one optical port;wherein said optical signal multiplexer is deployed as a single card dimensioned for deployment in a card slot in a shelf of a telecommunications bay.
- 7. An optical signal multiplexer comprising:nat least one optical port operable to receive and transmit optical signals of at least 155.520 Megabits per second (Mb/s);at least one electrical connector providing a plurality of electrical ports operable to receive and transmit electrical signals;an optical interface to receive an optical signal via said at least one optical port and convert it into an electrical signal;a mapper operable to convert said electrical signal received from said optical interface into a plurality of signal streams; anda line interface unit operable to convert said signal streams into respective signals for transmission from said at least one electrical connector, said line interface unit being operable to receive signals via said at least one electrical connector and convert them to corresponding digital signals, said mapper being operable to format said digital signals into at least one optical stream for transmission via said at least one optical port;wherein said optical signal multiplexer is deployed as a single card dimensioned for deployment in a card slot in a shelf of a telecommunications bay.
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/318,082, filed Dec. 22, 2008, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/209,031, filed Aug. 23, 2005, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/448,463, filed May 30, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,958,908; the entire contents of each the these applications being incorporated herein by reference.
In addition to U.S. Pat. No. 6,958,908, related subject matter is disclosed in U.S. patent application of Bruce Lipski et al., entitled “Apparatus and Method for Increasing Optical Density of SONET Multiplexer Using Integral Components†(now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,359,410); in U.S. patent application of Bruce Lipski et al., entitled “SONET Multiplexer Having Front Panel Access to Electrical and Optical Connectors and Method for Using Same†(now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,868,219); and in U.S. patent application of Bruce Lipski et al., “Apparatus And Method For Automatic Provisioning of SONET Multiplexer†(now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,379,481); the entire contents of each of these patents being expressly incorporated herein by reference.
The present invention relates to interchangeable optical signal multiplexer cards for uses in a compact enclosure and a method for using the same. More particularly, the present invention relates to one or more reduced size optical signal multiplexer cards having front panel access to electrical and optical connectors such as DS1-DS3 optical signal multiplexer cards, along with other cards such as wave division multiplexing cards, which can be received in a compact enclosure and a method for using the same.
As the demand for high bandwidth, high bit rate communications increases (e.g., to accommodate multimedia and wireless applications, in particular), fiber optics technology is rapidly advancing to supply the capacity. SONET (i.e., Synchronous Optical Network) is the communication hierarchy that has been specified by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) as a standard for a high-speed digital hierarchy for optical fiber. SONET defines optical carrier (OC) levels and electrically equivalent synchronous transport signals (STSs) for the fiber-optic based transmission hierarchy. The SONET standard is described in more detail in ANS T1.105 and T1.106, and in Telcordia Generic Requirement GR-253-CORE, which are incorporated herein by reference.
Before SONET, fiber optic systems in the public telephone network used proprietary architectures, equipment, line codes, multiplexing formats and maintenance procedures. The users of this equipment (e.g., Regional Bell Operating Companies and inter-exchange carriers (IXCs) in the United States, Canada, Korea, and Taiwan, among others countries) desired standards such as SONET so they could employ equipment from different suppliers without experiencing incompatibility problems.
SONET defines a technology for carrying many signals of different capacities through a synchronous, flexible, optical hierarchy using a byte-interleaved multiplexing scheme to simplify multiplexing and provide end-to-end network management. The base signal in SONET is a Synchronous Transport Signal level-1 (STS-1) which operates at 51.84 Megabits per second (Mbps). Higher-level SONET signals are summarized in the following table:
Thus, each SONET STS-N electrical signal has a corresponding OC-N optical signal. The OC-N signals are created by converting the STS-N electrical signal to an optical signal. The SONET standard establishes a multiplexing format for using any number of 51.84 Mbps signals as building blocks. For example, an OC-3 (Optical Carrier, Level 3) is a 155.52 Mbps signal (i.e., 3 times 51.84 Mbps), and its electrical signal counterpart is referred to as an STS-3 signal. The STS-1 signal carries a DS3 signal or a number of DS1 or other lower level signals. A SONET STS-3 signal is created by concatenating STS-1 signals.
Telecommunication equipment at central offices (COs), remote terminals (RTs), wireless communication cell sites and other equipment locations is frequently deployed as one or more multi-shelved bays with multiple shelves, wherein each shelf is configured to receive a plurality of communications cards. A backplane is provided in each bay for communication between its cards and shelves, as well as for interbay communication. One of the more common types of equipment to be found at these equipment sites is SONET multiplex equipment which takes lower-rate (tributary) signals, such as DS1 (1.5 Mbps), DS3 (45 Mbps), OC-1 (51.84 Mbps), or OC-3 (155.52 Mbps), and time division multiplexes them into a higher-rate signal such as OC-3 or OC-12 (622.08 Mbps). The SONET multiplex equipment also performs the corresponding demultiplex function of recovering the lower rate tributary signals from an incoming higher-rate signal.
Telecommunications companies are eager to provide as much performance as possible from their existing infrastructure. Their telecommunications systems are primarily based on the DS1 electrical signal hierarchy that uses DS0 data. A DS1 signal is comprised of 24 multiplexed DS0 voice or data channels. To provide capacity that meets the afore-mentioned demand for more bandwidth and high bit rates, telecommunications companies need equipment that is based on a higher data rate such as DS3 in which DS1 signals are the base signal for data channel multiplexing, as opposed to DS0 signals.
Problems with existing equipment managing DS1 and DS3 traffic, however, are numerous. For example, DS1 and DS3 hierarchy-based equipment requires more bay and shelf space in CO, RT, cell sites and other locations where equipment space is already a limited commodity, where bays and shelves are already crowded (e.g., many shelf card slots are filled with a card), and where room to add equipment with new features is very limited or essentially nonexistent.
In addition, previous generations of SONET and asynchronous multiplex equipment have dedicated fixed portions of an equipment shelf to different types/rates of services. For example, separate portions of the shelf are typically reserved for DS1, DS3, and OC3 interface units. Dedicating specific portions of the shelf to specific service types reduces the flexibility of the shelf, and typically leaves wasted shelf space for any given application.
Also, access to the optical connectors on existing multiplexer cards is typically on the front of a card, while access to the electrical connectors is on the back of the shelf. In equipment locations were space is limited, it can be difficult for human operators to gain access to the backs of card slots in a shelf of an equipment bay. A need therefore exists for SONET multiplexer equipment having a reduced form factor, with nondedicated card slots, and with front panel access to both electrical connectors and optical connectors.
To illustrate these disadvantages of existing SONET multiplex equipment, reference will now be made to
The Fujitsu multiplexer 10 is not easily set up or provisioned. The Fujitsu multiplexer 10 is designed to be everything to everyone in the optical communications environment. Since it is not designed to be compatible with any one particular system, it provides hundreds of choices to the user and must be substantially configured by a user operating a provisioning application on a computer (e.g., a personal computer or PC) before it can even run data through it. The installation, set up and provisioning manual for the Fujitsu multiplexer 10 is long and considerable training is needed for the user to be able to configure and operate the unit. Further, after such a lengthy and involved configuration phase, the unit may not be subsequently easily reprovisioned to accommodate a change in the configured data paths. This aspect of the Fujitsu multiplexer 10 renders it very cumbersome. Thus, a need exists for SONET multiplexing equipment that requires minimal set up and provisioning, and minimal or no user training. Further, a need exists for SONET multiplexing equipment that does not require connecting the equipment to a computer for provisioning, and that automates much of the provisioning process to simplify it for the user. In addition, a need exists for SONET multiplexing equipment that simplifies provisioning to allow reconfiguration of the equipment for flexible use.
Also, to use the Fujitsu multiplexer 10 in different applications such as a drop or drop and continue (e.g., ring) application requires more plug-in units, which increases cost, and requires more set up and provisioning. A need exists for a SONET multiplexer that can be deployed in different applications with greater functionality, little or no provisioning, and a minimal number of units to minimize cost and malfunctions due, for example, to failed electronics. For example, if four Fujitsu multiplexers units were to be deployed in a ring configuration, the Fujitsu units would require substantial provisioning to instruct the unit regarding which data paths are being dropped and continued and how to cross-connect at each node, as well as alarm conditions, among other configuration data. Thus, a need exists for SONET multiplexing equipment that simplifies provisioning to allow configuration of the equipment for flexible use in different applications.
Providing redundancy of optical paths can present a problem where there is limited equipment space since additional circuit packs are used in competing SONET multiplexers. Reference is now made to
SONET multiplexers generally provide redundancy of data paths to enable continued transmission of data after an optical path failure. With continued reference to
Configuring a SONET system with redundancy using the Adtran multiplexer requires at least four multiplexers 20, 20′, 22, 22′ (i.e., two per node for two optical paths between the nodes). This redundant configuration is disadvantageous over a system having only a single optical path between two multiplexers, and therefore no redundancy, because it requires twice the equipment space and twice the cost for the extra two multiplexers. Further, the redundant system is less reliable in terms of the increased likelihood for electronics failure or equipment failure due to heat, for example, due to the additional multiplexer electronics. A need exists for a SONET multiplexer that provides redundancy while minimizing equipment space and cost and maximizing reliability.
The limitations of the known systems discussed above also render those systems difficult to use in 3rd Generation (3G) wireless services. In particular, the costs and complexities of delivering the known DS3 signals as well as delivery of DS1 signals over fiber for lightning isolation to cell sites have limited their ability to be deployed in 3G systems. For example, severely limited cabinet or but space would require expensive new enclosures and power supplies to run the known DS1 and DS3 signals. Furthermore, because 3G systems require upgrades to numerous cell cites, costs related to the time consuming provisioning and interconnect of traditional SONET equipment expand rapidly. Alternative fiber optic systems that can be used are either exorbitantly expensive or limited to point-to-point rather than efficient drop-and-continue topologies. In addition, future growth has been limited by large up-front equipment investments or products that are limited to supporting only 3 DS3s. Hence, a need exists for a small, fast, easy to use SONET equipment that is scalable and is capable of supporting integral drop-and-continue applications.
The present invention provides interchangeable optical signal multiplexer cards for use in a compact enclosure or telecommunications bay equipment shelf and a method for using the same.
The present invention further provides one or more reduced size optical signal multiplexer cards having front panel access to electrical and optical connectors such as DS1-DS3 multiplexer cards, along with other cards such as wave division multiplexing cards, which are adapted for use in a reduced size enclosure or telecommunications bay equipment shelf, and a method for using the same. For example, the compact enclosure assembly or telecommunications bay equipment shelf comprises a plurality of openings therein, each adapted to interchangeably receive a reduced size SONET multiplexer card configured in a standard Type 200 or Type 400 mechanics circuit board arrangement.
The optical signal multiplexer has a limited set of switches. Remaining parameters are set up as defaults and require no provisioning on the part of the user.
In accordance an embodiment of the present invention, a SONET multiplexer comprises: (1) at least one optical port operable to receive and transmit optical signals of at least 155.520 Megabits per second (Mb/s); (2) at least one electrical connector providing a plurality of lower rate signal ports operable to receive and transmit electrical signals; (3) an optical interface to receive an optical signal via said at least one optical port and convert it into an electrical signal; (4) an optical signal terminator configured to locate frames in said electrical signal received from said optical interface and extract selected overhead bytes in said frames; (5) a mapper operable to use data from said electrical signal received from said optical interface and said selected overhead bytes to generate a plurality of lower rate signal streams; and (6) a line interface unit operable to convert the said lower rate signal streams into respective analog signals for transmission from said at least one electrical connector, said line interface unit being operable to receive analog signals via said at least one electrical connector and convert them to corresponding digital signals comprising lower rate signals, said mapper being operable to format said digital signals as an optical stream, said optical signal terminator being operable to append selected overhead bytes to said stream for transmission via said optical interface and said at least one optical port; wherein said optical signal multiplexer is deployed as a single card dimensioned for deployment in a card slot in a shelf of a telecommunications bay.
In accordance an embodiment of the present invention, the single card employs Type 400 mechanics. A face plate facing away from the shelf allows the at least one electrical connector and the optical connector to be accessible outside of the shelf.
These and other objects, advantages and novel features of the present invention will be readily appreciated from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
In the example shown in
As shown in
As shown in
As can be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the O3-3D3 module 102 is designed to derive three DS3 circuits from an OC3 synchronous optical network (SONET) 1550 nm or 1310 nm optical facility, and is configured to be inserted into opening 118 or 120 of enclosure assembly 106 (see
The upper board 134 shown in
As can be appreciated from the above, the O3-3D3 module 102 is provided with a number of advantageous features such as three coaxial connectors 128 (DS3 ports), and two optical fiber connectors 130 (OC3 ports) on the face plate. Thus, a user has easy access to the coaxial connectors 128 and optical fiber connectors 130 without having to remove the module 102 from the enclosure assembly 106, or without having to access the coaxial connectors 128 and optical fiber connectors 130 via the rear of the enclosure assembly 106. Accordingly, coaxial jumpers can be used to couple the coaxial connectors 128 to coaxial connectors on other modules as explained in more detail below. This capability is made possible because the enclosure does not have dedicated card slots and the units have faceplate connectors. Standard DS3 75-ohm BNC connections can be used as the coaxial connectors 128, and standard fiber SC interface connectors can be used as the optical fiber connectors 130.
As described in more detail in the above-mentioned co-owned patents (e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,359,410 and 7,379,481), the O3-3D3 module 102 is configured with a drop-and-continue ring capability with or without protection switching that is substantially easier to use and less costly than existing multiplexers such as those described above. Whereas existing multi-shelf and/or multi-card multiplexers require substantial configuration and provisioning to achieve merely an operable data path, the O3-3D3 module provides exceptionally simple plug-and-play installation and use in various applications. The O3-3D3 module 102 uses standard Type 400 mechanics to permit installation in the enclosure assembly 106 as discussed above, as well as in inexpensive wall, shelf, or self-contained housings within a central office (CO), digital loop carrier (DLC), or remote terminal (RT) facilities or customer-premises equipment (CPE). The O3-3D3 module 102 is also climate-hardened for unrestricted deployment in outside plant (OSP) cabinets.
It should also be noted that the O3-3D3 module 102 is provided with 1310 nm or 1550 nm optics that can be used with Wave Division Multiplexing (WDM) couplers, such as those depicted in
Further details of the D3-28D1 module 104 shown in
As indicated, the faceplate 190 has an overall height of 5.590 inches (141.98 mm), and overall width of 2.25 inches (57.25 mm) The module 104 has an overall depth of 6.57 inches (153.858 mm), and the cards each have an overall height of 5.59 inches (141.86 mm) The card extractor 200 extends 0.58 inches (14.77 mm) from the front surface of the face plate 190. Also, the individual cards have respective heights of 4.94 inches (125.57 mm), 5.04 inches (127.93 mm), and 5.45 inches (138.32 mm) Card 197c and middle card 197b are separated by 0.58 inches (14.8 mm), and card 197a and middle card 197b are separated by 0.78 inches (19.8 mm) It is noted that all dimensions given above can be viewed as approximate. However, in this embodiment, the dimensions can be viewed as the maximum dimensions which should not to be exceeded.
As can be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the D3-28D1 DS1 module 104 multiplexes 28 DS1 signals into a DS3 signal and demultiplexes a DS3 signal to 28 DS1 signals. It is also noted that the module 104 can be configured as a D3-14D1 DS1 module which multiplexes 14 DS1 signals into a DS3 signal and demultiplexes a DS3 signal to 14 DS1 signals. The D3-28D1 DS1 module 104 provides two kinds of management interfaces, namely, the craft port connector 194 on the front panel connects to a PC using VT-100 terminal emulation, and the RS-232 asynchronous network management port on the backplane uses TL-1 messages for maintenance and diagnostic functions. The D3-28D1 module 104 thus provides industry's smallest, self-contained DS3 to DS1 multiplexer. The module 104 provides drop-and-continue capability optimized for efficient access. For example, a single digital cross-connect system (DCS) or next generation digital loop carrier (NGDLC) DS3 port can deliver four DS1s to seven different sites. The module 104 also provides available support for standard in-band DS1 NIU loopbacks as well as integral T1 repeaters (“SJ†versions) to eliminate the need for external “smart jacks†and connection to standard T1 lines of up to 6000 feet, and available support for in-band loopback codes issued on either the DS1 side or the DS3 side to suit comprehensive network diagnostics. The module 104 further has outside plant (OSP) climate hardening, and robust lightning protection to withstand the rigors of cell site applications, such as in 3G networks.
The module 104 further provides for OSP, central office (CO), and customer-premises equipment (CPE) mountings with provision for complementary O3D3 and O3-3D3 miniature synchronous optical network (SONET) multiplexers and wave division multiplexer (WDM) units. The module 104 also provides simple, intuitive craft port provisioning and pre-assigned defaults for common applications to assure fast, trouble-free turn-up, a full-time TL-1 communication link, comprehensive performance monitoring (PM) that eliminates the cost of external DS3 NIUs and delivers single-point platform diagnostics. Alternatively, the module 104 can be configured as a type 400 mechanics 14 DS1 version, instead of a Type 600 mechanics 28 DS1 version as shown.
Each DS1 is provisioned for alternate mark inversion (AMI) or bipolar with 8-zero substitution (B8ZS) line coding. Each DS1 is transparent to superframe (SF) and extended superframe (ESF) formats. Each DS1 pulse template meets ANSI T1.102. Each DS1 port is provisioned for digital signal cross-connect (DSX-1) type interface (short haul), with line build-outs (LBOs) appropriate to service line lengths from 0 to 655 feet. Each DS1 port of the DS-28D1SJ and DS-14D1SJ may also be provisioned for long-haul applications; the transmit attenuation in these versions is also selectable for 0, 7.5, 15, or 22.5 dB. The D3-28D1 detects loss of signal (LOS), all ones (AIS), and line code violations (LCVs) for each DS1 on the low-speed (DS1) side. There are two alarm relays on the D3-28D1. The DS3 alarm contacts close for a DS3 failure. The DS1 alarm contacts close for LOS or loss of frame (LOF) on any IN-SERVICE DS1 port. Both DS3 and DS1 alarm contacts close for a loss of power or unit failure.
The front panel of the D3-28D1 module 104 provides connection to the DS3 and DS1 signals as well as the craft port. As discussed above, LEDs 198-1, 198-2 and 198-3 show connector and unit status. Each DS1 connector has 14 transmit (Tx) pairs and 14 receive (Rx) pairs. The front-panel DB-9 communications interface is an asynchronous VT-100 serial port. The craft port 194 operates at 9600 baud with 8 bits of data, no parity, and 1 stop bit.
As discussed above, the assembly 100 is capable of receiving O3-3D3 modules 102 and D3-28D1 module 104. In addition, and as discussed in more detail below, the assembly 100 is capable of receiving one or more Wave Division Multiplexing (WDM) modules as shown in
As can be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the WDM-1 module 210 and WDM-2 module 230 in this example are 200 Mechanics® Wave Division Multiplexing Couplers. The WDM-1 module 210 is a single coupler for single fiber transport between a 1310 nm O3D3 or O3-3D3 at one end of a circuit and a 1550 nm O3D3 or O3-3D3 at the other end of a circuit. The WDM-2 module 230 is a dual coupler for two fiber switch-to-protect application, and can also increase the capacity over fibers already in use by legacy optical multiplexers. When used with an O3D3 multiplexer, the WDM-1 and WDM-2 modules permit a single fiber to carry both transmit and receiver payloads to address fiber exhaustion, and serve applications such as support of digital subscriber line (DSL) delivery from legacy carrier systems. The WDM-1 and WDM-2 modules 210 and 230 thus provide simple hand-in-glove use with O3D3 and O3-3D3 modules as discussed above. The Type 200 Mechanics® configuration permits installation in conventional, inexpensive, central office (CO) digital loop carrier (DLC) remote terminal (RT) or customer-premise equipment (CPE) wall, shelf or self-contained housing. The WDM-1 and WDM-2 modules 210 and 230 also are climate-hardened for unrestricted deployment in outside plant (OSP) cabinets, and perform derivations of 1310 nm and 1550 nm single-node channels from a single fiber. The printed circuit board shroud prevents fibers from becoming entangled in other equipment. The modules 210 and 230 further include SC bulkhead OC3 connectors, require only simple installation without special mounting plates or brackets, and meet GR-2899-CORE criteria in O3D3, O3-3D3 and similar applications.
As discussed above, the enclosure 108 is capable of receiving various combinations of the types of modules described above. Several examples of this configuration are shown in
The O3-3D3 module 102 is configured with a drop-and-continue ring capability with or without protection switching that is substantially easier to use and less costly than existing multiplexers such as those described above. Whereas existing multi-shelf and/or multi-card multiplexers require substantial configuration and provisioning to achieve merely an operable data path, the O3-3D3 module 102 provides exceptionally simple plug-and-play installation and use in various applications. As stated above, the O3-3D3 module 102 preferably uses standard Type 400 mechanics to permit installation in inexpensive wall, shelf, or self-contained housings within central office (CO), digital loop carrier (DLC), or remote terminal (RT) facilities or customer-premises equipment (CPE). The O3-3D3 MUX is also climate-hardened for unrestricted deployment in outside plant (OSP) cabinets.
As shown in
The continue/drop selection for each DS3 port via a simple switch position selection via its corresponding switch 170, 174 and 178 represents a significant advantage over existing SONET multiplexers. The drop application is illustrated in
The advantages of the SONET multiplexer module 102 of the present invention over existing systems such as the Fujitsu Multiplexer 10 is also illustrated when only a subset of the ports are used. For example, if only two of the three DS3 ports of the SONET multiplexer are employed in an application, the CONTINUE switches indicate which of the three ports is not being used, thereby eliminating the need for an alarm. By contrast, if only two ports of the Fujitsu Multiplexer 10 are used, the unit must be provisioned to tell it how to cross-connect DS3s at each point of an application such as the ring configuration (
The SONET multiplexer module 102 of the preset invention simplifies provisioning a number of ways such as by basing system timing and synchronization on an internally generated clock (i.e., a DS3-based clock imbedded in SONET), as opposed to making system timing a provisionable parameter as in existing systems (e.g., which provide a user with choices such as SONET and global positioning system (GPS) timing). In addition, the SONET multiplexer module 102 of the preset invention provides users with one predetermined interface (i.e., OC3 to DS3) and therefore does not require T1 provisioning or provisioning as to connections with DS1, DS2, OC12, among others, as do existing SONET multiplexers. The SONET multiplexer module 102 is configured as a single card and therefore does not require equipment provisioning (e.g., for multiple cards) as do existing SONET multiplexers. Since the SONET multiplexer module 102 provides simple switches, no security provisioning is needed to prevent unauthorized remote access, unlike existing SONET multiplexers requiring a user interface via a computer and therefore possibly using passwords or other security measures.
As stated above, existing SONET multiplex equipment generally requires at least one equipment shelf with multiple cards, or at least, multiple cards to achieve such functions as data path control, alarms, switch protection, synchronization, and monitoring operations, among other functions. The Fujitsu Multiplexer 10 uses several cards to provide OC3 to DS3 to DS1 multiplexing. The existing form factors (e.g., equipment shelves for bay installation and cards for use in bay shelves) are largely due to the development of SONET multiplex equipment using components such as microprocessors and other integrated circuits that are interfaced via microprocessor and corresponding software to interoperate these components.
In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a SONET multiplexer module 102 is provided to perform OC3 to DS3 multiplexing and demultiplexing operations using a substantially reduced form factor as compared with existing SONET equipment that can perform the same multiplexing functions. The SONET multiplexer module 102 of the present invention is implemented as a single card (i.e., capable of deployment on a single card slot in a telecommunications bay equipment shelf). As shown in
The reduced form factor of the SONET multiplexer module 102 therefore overcomes many of the disadvantages of existing multi-card SONET multiplexers since it does not require much equipment space. Further, the SONET multiplexer module 102 of the present invention can be deployed as a standalone component and therefore need not be inserted into a bay shelf at all, but instead can be mounted on the side of a bay, on a wall in the equipment area of the CO, RT or other user, on a top of a computer, table or other work surface, among other places.
With continued reference to
Although only a few exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention as defined in the following claims.