Ensuring Exact Clocking In Defence Networks
Using the Metrodata AP3000 Access Processor to connect ATM Switches, Serial Encryptors and Satellite Modulators together.
From Narrowband to Broadband, from 8k to 155.52Mbits we've got your bandwidth covered. In 1Hz increments, that's 20 million clock rates for EIA530 and 90 million clock rates for HSSI [High Speed Serial Interface].
- About the AP3000 and it's Clocking Capability
- Giving Flexibility to Federal ATM Networks
- Why the Metrodata AP3000 is a Strategic Product
About the AP3000 and its Clocking Capability
The Metrodata AP3000 has been developed for interfacing Satellite Modems with Terrestrial Networks. Further uses of the AP3000 included back-haul of Asymmetric Satellite Connections over Leased Lines, and back-haul of HSSI/ECL Over Fiber.
The AP3000 is one of a range of Access Processor [AP] Products that Metrodata manufacture. There are currently 3 AP Product Variants all of which are Modular - AP3000 [3 Modules], AP4000 [4 or 5 Modules] and AP8000 [8 or 9 Modules]. The AP Modules are interoperable throughout the AP range.
As well as being a fully functional ATM Switch [ATM in, ATM out], the AP Products can also Multiplex non-ATM services into a Single ATM Trunk.
ATM Interfaces supported are E1, E2, E3, DS-3 and OC-3. Non-ATM Interfaces supported are T1, E1, E2, E3, DS-3, 10/100BaseT, HSSI/ECL, ASI and EIA530. ATM Over Satellite or ATM Over Serial Modules are currently HSSI/ECL, G.703 and ASI.
The Access Processor can provide speed, interface and protocol conversion between incompatible network products. We can convert ATM to non-ATM, ATM to ATM (DS-3 to E3 etc.), ATM to fiber, ATM to serial, ATM to wan, Ethernet to wan, Ethernet to G.703, Ethernet to serial, Ethernet to fiber, serial to fiber, fiber to fiber and WAN to serial.
Our real strength and competitive advantage is in our flexible Serial Modules. In order to support a variety of different Satellite Data Rates we developed a Flexi HSSI/ECL Module for the Access Processor, which can operate at any rate between 0 and 90Mbits in 1Hz increments. We then developed a Flexi EIA530 Module, which also supports 1Hz increments, up to 20Mbits. As most competitive ATM Multiplexors, ATM Concentrators and ATM Edge Switches often only support Nx64k increments on their Serial Modules, we have the most flexible product.
From Narrowband to Broadband, from 8k to 155.52Mbits we've got your bandwidth covered. In 1Hz increments, that's 20 million clock rates for EIA530 and 90 million clock rates for HSSI [High Speed Serial Interface].
Giving Flexibility to Federal ATM Networks
Federal Networks tend to be end-to-end networks designed to transport a particular application. In one network, wireless might be used between the field unit and the terminal, then satellite to connect the terminal to the main terrestrial based network. Typically this terrestrial network would be ATM based. The application would be transported/back-hauled across the ATM Network to the end-user, where the ATM cell headers would be removed [if applicable] and the field unit services/applications connected.
One of the main reasons that US DoD Networks are ATM, is due to the ability to aggregate separate links and bandwidths onto a single Network Infrastructure. But, the majority of ATM Vendors have equipment designed to work in a fixed rate environment. Very few of these switches acknowledge the presence of satellite and wireless, and simply support fixed rates such as E1, T1, E3, DS-3 and OC-3. Those few ATM Switches that do offer Serial Interface that are "flexible" are often only offering Nx64k clock rates.
Whilst working on a federal network project, Metrodata realised that what was needed was complete flexibility of data rate. We had for some time been receiving enquiries for EIA530 and HSSI to DS-3 ATM Conversion. All of these were at very "odd" data rates. Typically they would require 1Khz or 1Hz clock increments, i.e. 9.163Mbits Inbound and 322.231Kbits Outbound.
Why such weird rates? Because that was the exact amount of bandwidth required to transport the application, its Encryption Overhead and potentially an FEC Overhead as well.
So, what we provide is the ability to tailor the ATM Network inefficiently to the Applications odd data rate, rather than forcing the Application to run at a fixed rate on the network.
Metrodata provide complete flexibility of both data rate, serial interface and ATM Interface.
Also, utilising Metrodata Products within a tactical/federal environment can ensure that data integrity is improved. This is particularly useful in Unmanned Aerial Vehicle [UAV] Networks and Rapid Deployed/Field Networks.
With improved Data, more accurate decisions can be made. Accurate decisions mean better results. Data Integrity goes hand in hand with accurate and exact clocking of each piece of network hardware. The network cannot be clocked correctly, if there is a limit of Nx64k data rates on the hardware within the end-to-end solution.
Why the Metrodata AP3000 is a Strategic Product
The AP3000 from Metrodata is a strong product. Its features are:
- ATM Connectivity at E1, E2, E3, DS-3 and OC-3 rates
- Fiber Connectivity at Multi Mode, Single Mode Short Haul and Long Haul
- Serial Connectivity at EIA530, HSSI/ECL and ASI Interfaces
- Serial Data Rates in 1Hz clock increments
- ATM to Serial Conversion [currently HSSI and ASI, with EIA530 planned]
- Ethernet, Voice and Video also supported
With the AP3000 we provide connectivity between:
- ATM Switches, ATM Access Devices and ATM Concentrators
- Low Speed Synchronous Serial Equipment - Cryptographic Equipment
- Any speed Serial Satellite Modems
- ATM Encrypters
- Serial Encrypters
- Fiber Optic Modems
These are the "building Blocks" of Federal Systems Networks. These are inherent in almost all tactical/military systems.
Often these "Blocks" cannot be fitted together, because of an incompatibility between their interfaces, protocols or clock/data rates. This is where Metrodata can help. Our equipment basically provides the "cement" between the Blocks, removing interface connectivity issues, optimising the use of specific protocols and resolving clocking problems.
Often these "Blocks" cannot be fitted together, because of an incompatibility between their interfaces, protocols or clock/data rates. This is where Metrodata can help. Our equipment basically provides the "cement" between the Blocks, removing interface connectivity issues, optimising the use of specific protocols and resolving clocking problems.