Integrate high performance Packet-over Sonet core routers with existing router infrastructures
Most core IP networks have developed upon Cisco or Nortel (or equivalent) platforms.
Such networks are based upon HSSI delivery for higher speed routers, with upgrades to OC3/STM -1 being very expensive, if possible at all.
Emerging products in the CPE arena may not offer HSSI, but higher speed interfaces based upon Sonet speeds.
To be able to offer the connectivity for OC3/STM-1 interfaced routers to your HSSI-based network allows the Service Provider more flexibility in his choice of router supplier and network rollout.
Metrodata are currently developing a packet-over Sonet to HSSI converter which will allow, for example, Juniper routers with their standard 155Mbit/s/s POS interfaces to connect to your existing Cisco or Nortel (for example) network.
The Service Provider thereby gains a migration path - to use router on <=52Mbit/s initially, and later upgrade his access speed to your network to full STM -1 155Mbit/s later, without any hardware change to the router, or simply migrate the HSSI routers towards the access layer while enhancing the core with Sonet routers.