ANAHEIM, Calif. -- RAD Data Communications is today introducing to North America its Smart SFP™, a new series of patent-pending Ethernet First Mile access solutions that shrink not only the footprint of access equipment, but also its cost and complexity.

At the OFC/NFOEC conference here, RAD (located in stand T6) is unveiling the MiRIC series of miniaturized Fast Ethernet-over-PDH and SDH/SONET connectivity devices. The tiny devices are the first such implementation of the Smart SFP concept.

Housed in standard SFP (Small Form-factor Pluggable) packages, the MiRIC can be plugged into any regular MSA (Multi-Source Agreement) compatible socket, providing remote bridging over E1/T1 and E3/T3 lines.

Weighing in at just 30 grams, slightly over an ounce, the MiRIC is exactly one cubic inch in size. It is half an inch high, 0.6 inch wide, and three inches deep. It is more than 75 percent smaller than RAD’s current RIC-T1 product.

“The MiRIC in an SFP package is a revolutionary idea,” states Jacky Acoca, Business Development Manager at RAD Data Communications. “Most SFP sockets available today feature different fiber optic interfaces and basically function as Ethernet media converters.” He points out that the SFP-packaged MiRIC, however, offers full system functionality, supporting LAN bridging, OAM, VLAN tagging, flow control, and different protocols (GFP, HDLC, CHDLC) over E1/T1 or E3/T3.

Until now, such interdisciplinary functionality has been possible only by deploying expensive external products adjacent to Ethernet switches, IP routers, or other Ethernet equipment, or by equipping them with dedicated internal modules, in order to connect them to E1/T1, E3/T3 PDH or SDH/SONET links.

In comparison, the finger-sized MiRIC boasts a small footprint and can be plugged directly into the Ethernet device. This eliminates the need for external units, cables, and even power supply cords, since it draws current directly from the hosting device. “The MiRIC’s form factor, simplicity and flexibility combine to make it the ideal end-to-end Ethernet solution for enterprise and carrier applications alike,” Acoca adds.

RAD Data Communications Ltd.