Service Platform Concentration
Reducing Costs Via Traffic Optimization
Features
- Service Platform Port Cost Savings
- Increased Subscriber Density
- Platform CapEx Deferral
- Overall Rack Space Savings
- Improved Test Access
- Bandwidth Optimization
Introduction
Voice and data service delivery platforms (Frame Relay and ATM switches, IP routers, voice gateways/switches, etc.) are major investments for network operators. Reducing costs and maximizing the life of these expensive platforms while improving subscriber density and bandwidth efficiency is a sensible strategy, especially for central offices and service POPs challenged by rapid subscriber growth across a mix of services.
Sycamore DNX products are bandwidth and port optimizers for many of these platforms. Narrowband and broadband interfaces in traditional and next-generation service platforms can be prohibitively expensive, if available at all. DNX solutions can reduce these costs by up to 50%, while preserving precious slot and port capacity through increased subscriber concentration, and providing incremental embedded diagnostics that eliminate the need for costly test equipment and excessive truck rolls.
With newer services such as IP/MPLS VPN, DSL, and VoIP adding to existing services such as Frame Relay, ATM, and circuit-switched voice, the number and variety of service delivery platforms in central offices and service POPs continue to grow. This proliferation leads to inefficiencies in transport bandwidth management, service platform utilization, and subscribers-per-port ratios.
As illustrated below, in this sub-optimal environment, partially filled circuits take up expensive switch ports on a variety of service platforms.
Central Office/Service POP Before DNX
For example, Frame Relay providers may be wasting expensive switch ports by terminating unfilled pipes on the frame switches. Or an IP VPN or VoIP provider may be wasting T1/E1 or T3/E3 ports on edge routers, backbone routers, and VoIP gateways as a result of sub-optimal bandwidth grooming.
When deployed to front-end service delivery platforms, the DNX effectively grooms and concentrates the traffic that feeds them, reduces the number of ports required in the more expensive systems by increasing subscriber traffic per port, and provides necessary OA&M features the service delivery platforms lack. This translates directly into reduced capital outlays for the various service platforms, reduced rack space requirements, better bandwidth/port utilization overall, and streamlined operations and maintenance. DNX systems don’t replace the service platforms – they make them better and more cost-effective. Further, they typically perform this role in conjunction with larger, centralized wideband digital cross-connect (W-DCS) platforms.
Traffic Concentration with DNX
Improving Test Access
The DNX simplifies test access and reduces test equipment costs by virtue of the diagnostic capabilities integrated into every DNX module. The DNX can perform loopbacks and test patterns, eliminating the need to deploy expensive transmission test sets. All testing can be accomplished remotely via IP or a dial line, minimizing the need to dispatch technicians. This can save valuable time for service providers working to section/partition network problems when a service disruption is detected.
Related Information
DNX platforms also provide value in remote grooming/concentration applications, either alone or in conjunction with service platform concentration at a central site, as discussed above. See the Remote Grooming and Concentration application note to learn more.
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