Utility Networks
Features
- Equipment Consolidation, Space Savings
- Network Resiliency/Facility Protection
- Remote Management and Integral Diagnostics
- Reduced Circuit Provisioning Time
- Proactive Performance Monitoring
- Scalability from DS0 through OC-3/STM-1
- Operational Efficiencies and Cost Reductions
Introduction
In an environment of limited capital and shifting business strategies, Utilities are being charged with more than serving the basic energy needs of their customers. In some cases, they are also being asked to create additional revenue by selling unused capacity on their telecommunications infrastructure to other service providers. This entails streamlining operations while cost-effectively managing – or even upgrading – outdated infrastructure systems.
Sycamore Networks multiservice cross-connects can cost-effectively solve Utility network challenges. DNX platforms combine the functions of a digital cross-connect switch (DCS) and multiple CSUs and multiplexers, in one small, scalable, and highly reliable network element.
Utility Infrastructure
A Utility site typically includes an aging multiplexer network that must support conventional telecom services (T1/T3, E1/E3) and low speed connections for the sub-station control systems (DS0 level). This architecture consumes excessive rack space and power resources, complicates interconnect requirements, and offers no interoperability with the IP services that are rapidly finding their way into Utility networks.
Typical Utility Network
DNX Access Concentration Solution
The DNX can replace multiple legacy devices, resulting in cost savings, rack space savings, more efficient circuit provisioning, remote management, and greatly improved network resiliency and disaster recovery options. Utility engineers can leverage DNX digital cross-connect switch functionality to achieve complete bandwidth grooming control. Individual DS0s or groups of DS0s (Nx56/64 Kbps) can be groomed between sub-stations and the central switching location, or at any other point in the transport network.
With increased focus today on network resiliency, network engineers can configure DNX systems with all common components redundant, service and protect optical interfaces, and N+1 redundancy for the narrowband and broadband network interfaces.
Utility Network with DNX and ENvision Plus
Integrated Automated Protection Switching (APS) features allow for flexible assignment of working and protection T1/E1 links, with user-definable failover and recovery criteria that minimize or eliminate service disruptions in the event of T1/E1 link failure or degradation. In addition, Sycamore’s ENvision Plus network management system can provide real-time, automatic re-routing of traffic to alternate paths in the event of primary path failure. Working together, these system-level features provide powerful options for hardware, facility, and path redundancies unmatched by previous generations of Utility telecom gear.
The ability to groom discrete T1s into broadband interfaces conserves valuable resources (port counts) at the switching center, and benefits all of the service delivery platforms (Voice Switch, IP Routers/LAN, etc.). In effect, the DNX deployment extends their life and defers or eliminates the need for further investment in these platforms.
Also, network operations center (NOC) personnel can perform circuit provisioning, automated diagnostics, and real-time performance monitoring using the ENvision Plus or ENvision network/element management software solutions.
Migration to Optical Network
Today’s evolving networks must be able to accept optical handoffs from the LEC, or incorporate optical rings, to serve their backbone needs. Many operators have made significant investments to upgrade their backbone networks to fiber. The need for SONET to DS0 level capability is one of the driving forces behind updating the telecom network architecture.
With optical interfaces installed in the DNX, the operator can provision and test individual DS0s all the way up to OC-3/STM-1. Acting as an access concentrator, the DNX platform ensures that low speed interfaces such as T1, FT1, and data are efficiently aggregated prior to entering the optical network.
Concentration of Access Lines Ensures Efficient Use of Service Platforms
Related Resource
