Metrodata actually developed the first HSSI to 8Mbps G.703 converter in 1994 for Intelsat, the FM4850. Intelsat had received one of the first Cisco HSSI routers [4000 series] and wanted to use it with their G.703 satellite modems. This testing is covered in the Intelsat document on Internet Over Satellite, called ITLAN-003.
HSSI Interfaces on Satellite Modems can go as high as 110Mbps, whereas on routers HSSI is only used up to 51.84Mbps or STS-1. Metrodata's PA1000 and LH1000 products are specifically designed to allow user equipment to be used with satellite modems at data rates higher than 51.Mbps.
There are 5 main applications where Metrodata interface to HSSI satellite modems:
- To deliver Ethernet services over satellite at up to 110Mbps - LH1000
- To backhaul a HSSI satellite service over a leased line, fiber or ATM network - Access Processor
- To provide ATM over satellite, by allowing the connection of ATM Switches to HSSI satellite modems - Access Processor
- To enabe high data rate [HDR] links over satellite in excess of 51.84Mbps - PA1000
- To enable the connection of Juniper routers to HSSI satellite modems at up to 100Mbps - PA1000
Using the Metrodata AP3000 Access Processor any symmetric/asymmetric/simplex or duplex HSSI satellite connection can be backhauled over:
- E1, E2, E3, DS3 and OC-3 leased lines - Access Processor
- Multimode or singlemode fiber, over both short and long haul distances - Access Processor
- E3, DS3 and OC-3 ATM network - Access Processor
The Access Processor can also receive and transmit on different interfaces i.e. EIA530 receive and HSSI transmit, and then backhaul over leased line, fiber or ATM, presenting at the far end with a HSSI interface.
Using the Metrodata AP8000 Access Processor, up to 8 x HSSI connections can be aggregated onto a Single DS3 or OC-3 leased line.
More about ATM Over Satellite can be found on the following pages.