Vitesse Ethernet switches deliver network timing solution for wireless backhaul and carrier access apps

CAMARILLO, USA: Vitesse Semiconductor Corp. has announced its Caracal family of Ethernet switches (VSC7428, VSC7429) for Carrier Ethernet, mobile backhaul and Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTx) Passive Optical Networks (PON) applications.

Part of Vitesse’s scalable family of Carrier Ethernet ICs, Caracal switches feature network timing and performance monitoring capabilities that are essential for migrating mobile backhaul or packet-based 3G and 4G wireless networks.

Previously, wireless networks depended on T1/E1 circuits for providing network connections. With the deployment of advanced 3G and 4G networks that offer more data services, greater bandwidth is driving an industry trend toward packet-based networks.

These packet-based networks satisfy the need for greater bandwidth, but must also replace the timing, management and resiliency features of legacy SONET/SDH systems. With Vitesse’s Caracal Carrier Ethernet family of switches, packet-based networks for wireless backhaul can now replace aging and inadequate TDM networks.

“Two of the fastest growing segments in carrier networks are mobile/wireless backhaul and Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) access networks. Mobile operators have a capacity crisis on their hands due to mobile broadband data cards and the first generation of smartphones, especially the iPhone. Mobile backhaul equipment must not only evolve from TDM connections to Ethernet, but also add service aware QoS, packet timing and synchronization functions,” stated Michael Howard, principal analyst at Infonetics Research.

“At the same time, they must lower power consumption, while increasing equipment density and bandwidth. Fiber-to-the-home (FTTH)/PON networks face similar constraints. This is where Vitesse’s Caracal family of Carrier Ethernet switches is targeted.”