PMC-Sierra’s IP over OTN architecture accelerates packet and optical metro convergence

SANTA CLARA, USA: PMC-Sierra Inc. has announced the PM5422 META 20G device, enabling Carrier Ethernet Switch and Router (CESR) equipment to seamlessly connect to emerging Metro Optical Transport Networks (ITU-T G.709 OTN).

Carriers worldwide are transitioning their networks to OTN for optimized transport of IP services. The META 20G enables a converged OTN infrastructure across IP and optical equipment, with unified end-to-end network management.

The device integrates Carrier Ethernet mapping and framing of 10GE LAN and WAN, and OTN mapping of IP-services such as Storage Area Networks (SAN) and video protocols, while maintaining support for deployed technologies such as Packet over SONET/SDH (POS).

“Telecom and datacom equipment consolidation will continue as carriers demand converged IP and optical infrastructure solutions to lower their capital and operating costs,” said Travis Karr, vice president and general manager of PMC-Sierra’s Communication Products Division. “PMC-Sierra’s OTN product family enables OEMs to standardize their hardware and software around a single platform for carrier router, switch and transport equipment.”

The META 20G is the latest addition to PMC-Sierra’s OTN product portfolio, which includes the HyPHY 20G and HyPHY 10G for Packet Optical Transport Platforms (P-OTP) and Multi-Service Provisioning Platforms (MSPP). The portfolio provides a chipset solution for end-to-end integration of OTN across metro networks.

“With Global IP traffic forecast to almost double every nine to twelve months for the next few years, we’re seeing the industry move towards IP/MPLS-optimized networks with OTN as the baseline transport technology,” said Yuval Bachar, VP, CTO of HSBU, Juniper Networks.

Flexible service platform for carrier Ethernet switch and router equipment

META 20G’s concurrent framing and mapping of Carrier Ethernet, OTN and SONET/SDH reduces line card variants and simplifies carrier supply chain operations. Its flexible system-side interfaces allow for seamless integration onto new and existing line cards with direct-connect to network processors and packet processing engines. META 20G offers a wide range of capabilities, including:

Broad support of optical modules: Independent, rate-agile SERDES for direct-connect to 10G SFP+ and XFP modules for dense multi-port configurations;

Any-Service over OTN: Support for 10G LAN, WAN, SAN, Video and POS;

Carrier Grade 10GE capabilities: Integrated Timing over Packet (IEEE 1588 and SynchE) and Ethernet Link OAM required in latency sensitive applications such as mobile backhaul.