New OC-3 Gateway Simplifies Ethernet-to-SONET Connectivity

The Ethernet over OC-3/STM-1 Gateway from TC Communications offers users a simple, low-cost IP migration path by bridging Ethernet LANs between existing SONET/SDH networks.

The model TC3844-5 JumboSwitch Gateway converts Ethernet data into SONET/SDH framing to transmit to remote locations over existing OC-3/STM-1 links.

An efficient solution for Ethernet to SONET/SDH connectivity applications, the TC3844-5 is commonly used for transportation and utility networks, Ethernet backhaul, extending sub-networks off of SONET/SDH hubs, establishing demarcation points between carrier and customer networks, and enabling bonded transparent LAN services.

The TC3844-5 performs store-and-forward of frames with Ethernet traffic conditioning and bridging functions at wire speed. The internal bridge supports VLAN tagging and priority labeling which enables the user to define different QoS levels according to the application requirements.

Important features include fault management, auto-negotiation with flow control, statistics monitoring, network time protocol, remote firmware upgrade and temperature and power monitoring. In-band and out-of-band management are accessed via Web, SNMP, console and telnet. Diagnostic tools include LEDs, dry contact alarms and local and remote loop-back.

The TC3844-5 interface card can fit into any available JumboSwitch housing option, including 2S standalone chassis and 1U/2U/4U card cages. Power redundancy is standard; power supply options for the standalone version are 90-260VAC, 12VDC, 24VDC and -48VDC. Standard operating temperature is -20°C to +70°C; the extreme temperature version is -40°C to +80°C.