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Founded in March of 1998, by Margalit, the inventor of the MetroFusion architecture, it is dedicated to
bringing Dynamic DWDM to the local access loop. Initial funding was provided by MRV Communications
(Nasdaq:MRVC) through an equity investment. MRV Communications is a leading provider of fiber-optic
components as well as network products under the Nbase/Xyplex brand name.
January 21, 1999 09:19
New Access Communications Introduces Dynamic Dense Wave
Division Multiplexing Product Line With a Live Demonstration at
ComNet '99
ComNet DC 99
SANTA BARBARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 21, 1999--New Access Communications, an
innovator in Dense Wave Division Multiplexing (DWDM), Thursday announced that it will debut its new
MetroFusion architecture at ComNet '99 in Washington D.C. (Jan. 26-Jan. 28).
MetroFusion, a DWDM system that allows any point to any point connectivity among all nodes on a
metropolitan fiber ring. It will be demonstrated at the New Access Booth No. 782. The system has been
selected as a finalist for ComNet's "Best of Show" awards in the category of "Best New Carrier or WAN
Service/Product." MetroFusion will allow carriers' fiber infrastructures to achieve an unprecedented
low-cost high-performance ratio.
Current proposals by other vendors' DWDM ring architectures provide only point-to-point connectivity
between all nodes on a ring, limiting the implementation of networks on such systems. Each node on the
ring can only communicate with other nodes using the same wavelength as assigned to it.
So to communicate with all nodes on a ring, a given node must be able to receive and transmit all
wavelengths used. This translates to a complete DWDM system at each node, with a full set of lasers
and receivers at each node, a very expensive proposition for a multi-node ring. In contrast, any node on
the MetroFusion ring can directly communicate with any other node, as well as to a high bandwidth uplink
out of the ring, using only a single wavelength per node.
The MetroFusion architecture from New Access combines a DWDM Metropolitan ring and data
switch/routing devices to form the first commercial Dynamic Dense Wave Division Multiplexed (DD-WDM)
architecture. MetroFusion solves many of the cost and topology issues in Metropolitan DWDM systems.
According to Dr. Near Margalit, president and founder of New Access Communications, "The MetroFusion
technology will revolutionize the use of DWDM in the access market by distributing bandwidth more
efficiently and cost effectively."
Margalit continued: "MetroFusion thus provides, for example, an ideal configuration for CLECs to offer
high-speed access to customers for a small fraction of the cost of any other vendor's solution. In addition,
interoperability and compatibility of MetroFusion with existing routers will easily allow CLECs to integrate
the system into their existing network architectures."
MetroFusion works by mapping a Star Network topology onto a DWDM ring. Logically all the nodes are
connected as a star, but physically they are connected as a ring, thus the "virtual star topology." The use
of a ring rather than a star allows for significantly less fiber usage as well as protection from fiber failure,
while maintaining the simple implementation of star networks.
The MetroFusion network consists of a single MetroCore central unit and several MetroEdge devices.
Each MetroEdge is assigned a specific wavelength ID on the ring. The MetroCore receives signals from all
the MetroEdge devices and moves the data to the appropriate wavelength to reach the correct MetroEdge
destination device.
In typical applications the MetroEdge devices will reside at the customers premises and the MetroCore
device will reside at the service provider's head end. A standard Gigabit or Terabit router is connected to
the MetroCore device to provide routing functionality among the MetroEdge devices. MetroFusion allows
newly developed Terabit routers to distribute their huge bandwidth capability to a larger geographical area.
Redundancy is provided using a dual counter-directional ring configuration where signals are re-routed
around fiber cuts. Unlike all current DWDM systems that use one fiber for operation and one for
redundancy, MetroFusion allows both rings to be active under normal operation, doubling the effective
bandwidth.
During a fiber failure, node bandwidth drops to the standard value, but during normal operation the service
provider can choose to double the bandwidth. With direct access to data, the MetroFusion network is
much more manageable than any current Metropolitan DWDM.
MetroFusion is the first DWDM system that allows for the management of VLANs, priority levels, QoS,
and RMON statistics. This system takes management of DWDM system from simple management of the
physical layer to a full management station for a network.
The products that will be demonstrated at ComNet '99 by New Access are the new MetroCore 800 and
the MetroEdge 2000. The MetroCore 800 allows for the connection of eight MetroEdge 2000 devices on up
to 50 KM dual fiber rings providing a 16Gbps bandwidth using eight wavelengths. The MetroCore 800 has
an eight-wavelength expansion port to provide 16-wavelengths per loop. The MetroEdge 2000 has two
Gigabit Ethernet ports as well as a blade for twenty 10/100Mbps ports.
Product availability for the MetroCore 800 and the MetroEdge 2000 will be in Q2 of 1999.
New Access Communications, located in Santa Barbara, is a start-up company focused on innovation in
the field of optical networks. |
