RAD Delivers End-to-End Ethernet OAM

RAD Data Communications Inc. says it has the worlds first-to-market pre-standard implementation of ITU Y.1731 and IEEE 802.1ag, which allow for end-to-end Ethernet operations, administration, and maintenance (OAM).

Y.1731 and 802.1ag define end-to-end OAM capabilities intrinsic to Ethernet technology, enabling service providers to monitor the Ethernet service the customer receives. The IEEEs 802.3ah OAM, in contrast, is not capable of end-to-end monitoring of Ethernet services because it allows for monitoring capabilities such as remote failure indication and loopback only over a single segment, according to RAD Data, which says that is commonly used between the customer premises and the next hop.

OAM is a cornerstone in the transformation of Ethernet into a carrier-class technology, said Joshua Etkin, senior director of network architecture for RAD Data. By providing end-to-end fault monitoring, OAM enables Ethernet service providers to proactively monitor their service end-to-end, an advantage that minimizes operational expenses.

RADs pre-standard implementation of Y.1731 provides performance measurements with parameters such as frame delay, frame delay variation (jitter), frame loss, and availability. These parameters can be collected on a continuing basis and reported periodically, or they can be uploaded to a dedicated Web site that can be accessed by selected customers at the service providers discretion.

The RAD concept is based on the deployment of carrier-owned intelligent Ethernet Network Termination Units (E-NTUs) at the customer premises. An intelligent E-NTU focuses on the carriers needs by providing clear demarcation and service control up to the customer premises.

RAD has incorporated this intelligent demarcation concept into its ETX series of carrier-class E-NTUs, which deliver managed Ethernet services end-to-end over the fiber local loop, enabling the provision of services such as inter-office LAN connectivity, Internet access, and virtual private networks. The concept has also been incorporated into the companys RIC line of Ethernet-over-PDH/SDH/SONET NTUs.

RAD Data Communications   www.rad.com