WASHINGTON -- Metrobility Optical Systems, a leading provider of fiber optic connectivity and access equipment, will unveil several new line protection and restoration (LPR) models for Gigabit Ethernet and additions to its Radiance Optical Ethernet System for metro access at this week’s COMNET Conference and Expo. The new models are all targeted for mission-critical network applications.Gigabit Ethernet Line Protection and Restoration (LPR)
In response to customer requests for Gigabit Ethernet line protection and restoration capabilities, Metrobility’s new GigE “redundant twister”® offers both primary and back-up links between two network switches, routers or bridges to help ensure network reliability, minimize network downtime and maintain the security of Gigabit Ethernet backbones. The “redundant twister” monitors links between network devices and automatically switches to the backup link when the primary link fails, then restores the primary link when that link status returns to normal.The GigE “redundant twister” is based on the company’s patented “redundant twister” product line for Ethernet and Fast Ethernet which provides automatic failover of less than 200 microseconds. These units have been deployed in major U.S. stock exchanges and other mission-critical applications. The GigE version will support Metrobility’s SONAR (Switch on No Activity Received) feature which senses switch activity as well as link. Another feature, Network on Demand, allows IT administrators to select automatic failover (Dynamic Recovery Mode) or manual path selection (Network Select Mode) for network maintenance and backup operations. Metro Access Customer Premise Platform
Also being introduced is a new customer premise platform. The Radiance R200, a single-slot chassis with an internal power supply, supports the Company’s broad range of interface and access line cards. Access line cards, based upon patent-pending technology, enable remote site management providing remotely controlled loopback testing, integral optical power monitoring, quality of line monitoring, quality of equipment monitoring, and dynamic bandwidth provisioning. These features can reduce the cost of troubleshooting and eliminate ‘truck rolls’ greatly improving a service provider’s return on investment.Chassis Stacking Line Card
Metrobility's new four-port stacking line card enables four Metrobility chassis (up to 126 ports) to be managed with a single IP address to reduce costs and simplify management of multiple Radiance chassis by eliminating the requirement an external hub or switch. The card will auto-negotiate 10/100 connections, provides four (4) RJ-45 interfaces, and occupies a single slot in a chassis. The R104-11 has a list price of $349 and will begin to ship in February, 2003.Delta Class “twister”®
Nominated as a finalist in COMNET’s New Product Achievement Awards, the Delta Class “twister” will also make its debut. The Delta Class “twister” began shipping in October, 2002. With over a thousand units already installed worldwide, this unique line of media converters offers customers a markedly lower cost of ownership for optical Ethernet media conversion and rate adaption. It incorporates a sleek new design and offers advanced troubleshooting features, built-in cable management and protection, and highly visible link and activity LEDs. Troubleshooting features are dependent on model and include remote optical link loopback, far end fault, auto-recovery, link loss return and link loss carry forward. List prices range from $329 to $2199 dependent on configurations.Metrobility Optical Systems