MRV Enables High-Speed Business Ethernet Access Services Over Legacy Copper Networks with OptiSwitch 900 Carrier Ethernet Demarcation Device

MRV COMMUNICATIONS has announced the OptiSwitch 904-DSL (OS904-DSL), a carrier demarcation platform that enables business Ethernet access services across legacy copper networks. The OS904-DSL is the latest addition to the company's OptiSwitch 900 service demarcation series. MRV Communications, Inc. is a leading supplier of optical communication systems for high-speed carrier and enterprise networks.

The OS904-DSL is a 1RU platform that supports G.SHDSL.bis to deliver high-speed Metro Ethernet Forum services over bonded copper at data rates up to 22 megabits per second (Mbps). Available in four copper-pair configurations, the OS904-DSL also features small form-factor pluggable  ports for 100FX/1000FX interfaces to enable a smooth migration to a fiber infrastructure without the need to replace the devices.

To stay ahead of the competition, today's carriers are facing more stringent customer requirements for service level agreements (SLA) backed by standards-based Ethernet operation, administration and maintenance (OAM). The OS904-DSL supports MEF OAM Implementation Agreement specifications to provide enhanced connectivity fault management and performance measurement at nanosecond accuracy over the bonded copper infrastructure to assist the carrier in resolving network issues remotely without a trip to the customer premises.

"With enterprises and carriers rapidly embracing business Ethernet services, service availability in areas that have no fiber impose a real challenge, and that's where a product like the OS904-DSL can be so valuable," said Noam Lotan, Chief Executive Officer of MRV. "With this solution, carriers can deliver Ethernet and mid-band Ethernet services without a complete overhaul of the network, resulting in significant cost savings."

OS904-DSL is fully compliant with G.SHDSL standards, providing equal transmit and receive (symmetric) data rates, meaning carriers can achieve full-duplex data rates. The G.SHDSL interfaces can be configured as independent ports or bundled for link aggregation of multiple pairs.

"Over the past few years, we've seen solid growth in the global market for Ethernet over bonded copper pair platforms to support Ethernet business services, DSLAM backhaul, mobile traffic backhaul, and other applications," said Stan Hubbard, senior analyst at Heavy Reading. "Demarc devices like the OS904-DSL give service providers a competitive edge by enabling them to cost-effectively extend service reach beyond their fiber footprint and transition T1/E1 customers to flexible, affordable, higher-speed broadband connections."

MRV's OS904-DSL supports a wide range of ring, star and linear topologies for high-capacity bonded copper and fiber scenarios including mobile backhaul and business services. Additionally, the platform meets IEEE, IETF, ITU and MEF standards, offering complete control to simplify deployment and management.

Earlier this year, as part of Ethernet Europe's live interoperability demonstration, MRV's OptiSwitch 900 carrier-class Ethernet access product line was the only network interface device (NID) to participate in the showcase and demonstrate Global Ethernet Interconnect services. By implementing MRV's OptiSwitch 900 for Ethernet over fiber and Ethernet over bonded copper infrastructure, service providers can simplify provisioning and troubleshooting across multiple networks, reduce time to deliver access services and lower service management costs.

The OS904-DSL is available now from MRV's sales force and its worldwide distribution channel.