ATM Access Processor
The AP is based around a modular Chassis, coming in 3 sizes:
The APSAT supports all common North American and European Interfaces such as T1, E1, E2, E3, DS3, OC-3/STM-1. It can be used as a simple ATM Switch, an Access Concentrator of NON-ATM Services or even as an interface converter / FOM. With the addition of specialist modules for Satellite and Defense interfacing, the APSAT becomes a small backbone switch for integrating satellite and terrestrial networks.
The interface modules for the AP Platform have evolved out of existing carrier/telco products and also customer requirements for back-hauling satellite links and multiplexing terrestrial services over satellite. This can be a mix of transporting ATM and non-ATM traffic. Typically we simply use ATM as the transport mechanism and its transparent to both the application and the customer.
The Metrodata CBR Modules allow connection of non-ATM services, interfaces and equipment to the AP. There are several ways of using the AP and it supports a variety of different non-ATM services including:
Telco Circuits and Standard Terrestrial Interfaces - E1, T1, E2, E3 and DS3 Serial Satellite and Crypto Interfaces - EIA530, HSSI, ECL and ASI
IP, Ethernet and LAN - 100Mbps Wire Speed
These CBR, non-ATM Modules are shown below. Click on a link for further information.
- ASI CBR - enables connection to ASI (Asynchronous Serial Interface) devices, and provides a circuit emulation service for the ASI transport stream allowing ASI devices, such as video codecs and satellite modems to be connected using an ATM backbone connection.
- PDH CBR - enable connection to non ATM services, for example a PBX. The module range covers all standard data rates and are standards compliant.
- EIA-530 CBR - module provides the user with the capability to emulate a low speed, less than 10Mbps, circuit over an ATM connection using unstructured AAL.1 adaptation. The module operates transparently to payload data.
These non-ATM services can be concentrated, muxed using the ATM modules shown on the ATM UMI Modules page, as well as being integrated with ATM services and muxed over ATM trunks.
The Metrodata AP supports the standard ATM interfaces common on other complimentary ATM switches so we can easily interoperate with Cisco, FORE, Alcatel etc. We also specialise in supporting legacy and new serial interface speeds on our AP platform, providing ATM cell transport over serial.
The AP supports the following ATM interfaces / services:
Telco Circuits and Standard Terrestrial Interfaces - E1, E2, E3, DS3 and OC-3 / STM-1
Serial Satellite and Crypto Interfaces - EIA530, HSSI and ASI
We also support APS Switching and Redundancy with our special APS Module which operates at OC-3 / STM-1. Policing is also available as an add on to our Telco Interfaces above (E1, E2, E3, DS3 and OC-3 / STM-1).
A great deal of deployed AP units are with the US DoD and as such we have developed and continue to develop specific modules for Defense requirements, as well as adding Defense features to existing Modules.
These ATM Modules are shown below. Click on a link to for further information.
- PDH/SDH ATM UNI - enable connection to ATM services, either as network or switch ports. The ATM UNI module range covers all standard data rates and are standards compliant
- APS Protected SDH UNI - enable high availability circuits to be connected with a backup to ensure network survivability
- EIA-530 UNI - provides a single ATM interface port, configured as EIA-530 DTE allowing direct connection to a Satellite Modem.
- HSSI ATM - provide a single ATM interface port, configured as HSSI DTE allowing direct connection to a Satellite Modem.
The Metrodata AP also offers modules that hence the functionality of the AP, select one of the following for further information.
- Flexi LAN - bridge two LANs transparently over ATM
- HSSI Circuit Emulation - provides the user with the capability to emulate a high speed circuit over an ATM backbone connection using unstructured AAL.1 adaptation.
