RAD Introduces AXCESS+ Portfolio

Hybrid SDH/SONET and PSN Access Solutions Enable Seamless, Economical Migration to Next Generation Communications

RAD Data Communications has harnessed its expertise in TDM technology and leadership in Carrier Ethernet access to launch the AXCESS⁺ portfolio of CPEs (customer premises equipment) and central-site aggregation platforms. The portfolio combines extensive support for legacy services with future-proof Ethernet capabilities to address the challenges faced by carriers, mobile operators, utilities, and transportation networks in migrating to next-generation networks and services with flexibility, efficiency and carrier-class reliability.

“While many carriers and private operators are migrating their networks to packet technologies to lower costs and support IP-based services, there remains an enormous installed base of devices that use TDM, analog or low speed data connections,” notes Shoval Bolotin, Head of Product Management and Business Development for Multiservice Access Solutions at RAD Data Communications. “At the same time, the rapid introduction of Ethernet equipment has created a special challenge for network operators, who maintain extensive legacy TDM infrastructure and need to economically manage a myriad of interfaces, protocols, topologies, and media,” he adds. “AXCESS⁺ alleviates the CapEx and OpEx pains associated with the transformation to IP by simultaneously supporting multiple network generations. It also allows continuity for legacy services, while ensuring service quality and ultra-low latency for critical applications over new Ethernet, IP or MPLS networks.

The AXCESS⁺ product lineup includes multiservice multiplexers and access nodes, fiber multiplexers, SHDSL Ethernet extenders, broadband wireless radios, and TDM pseudowire gateways. These are enhanced with a central-site platform for grooming, aggregation, cross-connect, or transparent delivery functionality. Supporting broadband access rates over copper DSL, PDH, SDH/SONET, fiber, or wireless media, the AXCESS⁺ devices provide system solutions with unified management.

Lowering Transition Costs and Ensuring Smart Communications over Packet

By lowering the number of network elements that need to be maintained and managed, AXCESS⁺ solutions eliminate the CapEx hikes and increased burden to network operations that are related to TDM and PSN co-existence. The hybrid access devices are also instrumental in reconciling required on-going investment in SDH/SONET equipment with long-term decommissioning plans, as they remain in place even after the network is replaced to packet technology. Furthermore, AXCESS⁺ is designed to provide SDH/SONET-level service assurance in a PSN (packet switched network) environment, including low end-to-end delay, high availability and resiliency, differentiated quality of service, and Ethernet OAM (Operations, Administration and Maintenance).

“AXCESS⁺ offers network engineers and purchasing managers the peace of mind that comes with durability, reliability and flexibility,” Bolotin emphasizes. “The AXCESS⁺ portfolio is comprised of standards-compliant solutions that deliver consistent and stable performance so as to require minimal on-site maintenance, yet are highly versatile to allow network operators the freedom to choose the migration path that best fits their needs” he concludes.