Key Benefits
POTP Evolution: VCL-1400 can seamlessly transition from 100% TDM to 100% Packet Box. It can be deployed as a TDM MSPP in SONET networks and can transport data traffic using GFP and LCAS.
On the other hand it can be configured as a Packet Switch and deployed in Ethernet based networks. It can offer TDM services on these networks through circuit emulation.
VCL-1400 can be deployed at gateway locations between TDM & Packet Networks and can help a network operators transition their services slowly from TDM based to packet based.
Flexibility: Every operator and it's network has it's own needs and requirements. VCL-1400 with it's modular architecture provides one platform which can fit into a variety of needs. This also enables a pay as you grow model. Base chassis variants of 1U (3 slot) and 2U (7 slot) along with an expansion chassis are available. A variety of line cards for both TDM and Packet help the operator arrive at the most optimal configuration for a particular requirement.
MPLS-TP: Label Switched Paths with MPLS-TP is becoming an important requirement for scaling the network for millions of subscribers and thousands of services today. VCL-1400 provides MPLS-TP based pseudowires for traffic enginered traffic flows on trunks, which leads to better control over the packet traffic resulting in a more optimized network. This is key to lowering capex in today's cost competitive environments. MPLS-TP is also an enabler for path level protection and restoration on the network. VCL-1400 also supports end-to-end sub-50ms path level protection by supporting ITU-T G.8031 standard on MPLS-TP tunnels.
Advanced Ethernet Features: VCL-1400 has best in class packet switching capabilities, in line with today's requirements. Ingress rate limiting ensures that every packet entering the network is within the SLA bounds agreed with the customer. This prevents one customer from congesting/choking the packet network. Each packet is classified, so that the appropriate network policies (like prioritization and scheduling) can be applied to each kind of traffic. Options for 8 CoS queues and scheduling algorithms ensure that there are sufficient options available to the network administrator to manage the data traffic efficiently. ERPS (Ethernet Ring Protection Switching) standardized by G.8032 provides 50ms protected packet rings for greater resiliency. Multiple ringlets can be configured, and multiple ring topologies of packet networks are supported.
Packet Synchronization: VCL-1400 also support SyncE and 1588v2 for distribution of Synchronization information over pure packet networks. This is critical for deployment in mobile networks especially for LTE, where voice is packetized but synchronization is critical for cell handoff and for ensuring jitter-free voice calls.
Circuit Emulation: As networks move from TDM towards packet, a few TDM circuits are expected to be required for a long time due to legacy reasons. It's not cost effective to maintain an entire TDM network for this small amount of traffic. VCL-1400 supports SAToP and CESoPSN for carrying this TDM traffic over a pure packet infrastructure.
3 Slot Chassis
The 3 slot chassis supports 3 fabric + traffic slots. One or two slots can be used for the TDM cross connect. A few SONET aggregate ports are available on the cross connect card itself. More OC-3/12 tribs or T1, E3/DS3 or Ethernet cards can be jacked into the 3rd slot. In case redundancy is not required, the second slot is also available for tributary cards. If more interface density is required, the expansion chassis can be plugged in, which will give 5 additional slots. In addition to the 3 traffic slots, there are two dedicated slots for redundant power supplies.
For Pure Packet operation, the VCL-1400 can be populated with the centralized Packet Fabric. This card supports GigE and FE Interfaces. For dropping more Ethernet interfaces or for TDM (Circuit Emulation) the appropriate line card can be populated in the 3rd slot.
The 3 slot chassis is suitable for deployment as a CPE box or as an ADM element for building last mile aggregation rings The GigE client interfaces can be connected to 3G/LTE base stations, DSLAMs or Enterprise Routers to give high speed data services. The integration of OAM functionality into the FTU helps save a slot and enables supporting more traffic carrying interfaces on the common cards.
7 Slot Chassis
As the name implies, the 7 slot chassis offers 7 traffic slots in addition to the two redundant power supplies. Two of the slots can be used for the integrated fabric + aggregates + tributary interfaces, while the other 5 slots are used for tributary drops. Plugging in the expansion chassis gives another 5 slots, thus giving a total of 10 slots apart from the XC + Aggregate slots.
The 7 slot chassis can be used to aggregate second level aggregation rings.
Expansion Chassis
The expansion chassis is a pluggable 3U chassis that can be jacked on top of a VCL-1400 3 slot or a VCL-1400 7 slot chassis. It provides 5 tributary slots and 4 IO panels for PDH protection. The expansion chassis supports slots for putting redundant power supplies. If the number of cards is less, or lighter power consumption cards are populated, the expansion chassis can draw power from the man chassis itself.
The VCL-1400 with it's multiple base chassis variants, expansion chassis, a choice of cross connect and packet fabrics and the sophisticated packet features meets all the expectations for a next generation POTP platform. It provides a build as you grow model, where the operator can start with a compact 1U 3 slot chassis, and expand using either the expansion chassis or replacing the node by a 7 slot chassis. In migrating from a 3 slot chassis to 7 slot chassis, only the chassis needs to be changed and all the cards including the commons are reusable. VCL-1400 is truly a best in class micro-POTP platform.
