Aurora Muxes, Demuxes

SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- Aurora Networks, a leading developer and manufacturer of advanced optical transport and distribution systems for broadband networks, announces the addition of the EtherMux module to the Aurora EtherTransport product line. Aurora EtherTransport is a cost-effective Fast Ethernet solution enabling multiple system operators (MSOs) to build highly profitable new revenue streams by providing broadband-based business services to small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and multiple tenant units (MTUs) within their service areas.

The new EtherMux module, model DS4008, adds a significant new set of architectural options to the Aurora EtherTransport system, allowing up to 24 dedicated 100 Mbps connections to be served from a single field-hardened Aurora EtherNode located near business customers. This highly scalable module allows MSOs to pay as they go, installing EtherMux modules with pluggable transceivers as they sign on new business customers, minimizing up-front capital expenditure. Additionally, Aurora's bypass switching approach, incorporated into the EtherMux, eliminates single-point failures in the EtherTransport network.

"Today, most MSOs have completed their infrastructure build-outs and residential upgrades. Aurora's EtherTransport architecture makes it easy for MSOs to leverage their dark fiber and reach SMB customers, eighty per cent of which are already inside the cable footprint," said John Dahlquist, Vice President of Marketing for Aurora Networks. "The new EtherMux adds pay-as-you-go flexibility and enhanced reliability to an already flexible, secure and cost-effective SMB solution."

In a separate release:

Aurora Networks, a leading developer and manufacturer of advanced optical transport and distribution systems for broadband networks, announces the availability of the new Optiplex OP3524 series narrowcast demultiplexer, broadcast combiner. The Optiplex II module features optical power level management, which allows power levels to be realigned remotely, ensuring optimum network performance. The Aurora Optiplex is the only product of its type that can be managed remotely.

The Optiplex demultiplexes four individual optical carriers containing narrowcast signals and combines them with a common broadcast optical signal. As new video and/or data carriers are added to the system, or as the configuration of the network is changed, the power levels of the optical carriers can change. The optical power level management feature of the Optiplex II allows power levels to be realigned remotely via SNMP interface to an element management system. Power levels can also be adjusted via the power supply display panel or through a local craft port interface. Levels can be adjusted on any individual wavelength in 0.1 dBm steps. Additionally, by combining these functions in one module, the cost and maintenance of eight optical patch cords are eliminated.

"With the Optiplex II from Aurora, broadband networks can be easily expanded by adding optical wavelengths without the need to break physical connections or install optical attenuators to realign the optical carrier power levels," said Ron Wolfe, Senior Product Manager for CATV Products for Aurora Networks. "By adding optical narrowcast carriers, Optiplex II allows multiple system operators (MSOs) to offer new, revenue-generating services, such as digital video, video-on-demand, high-speed data and telephony, more easily and cost-effectively than ever before."

Aurora Networks Inc.