Pandatel releases an interface converter for the interconnection of Ethernet LANs and a new inverse multiplexer > Pandatel announces an interface converter that facilitates the interconnection of Ethernet LANs and a new inverse multiplexer

November 20, 2003

3 Min Read

HAMBURG -- Pandatel AG, a specialist provider of professional network systems, is presenting a new inverse multiplexer with an integrated Layer 2 switching function and IP routing (Layer 3) which meets the increasingly complex bandwidth requirements of service providers on the one hand and private enterprises on the other. With its high-performance hardware architecture, the INV-MUX-E, housed in a compact 19" system casing, is specially designed for use in IP-based transport and access networks. Eight structured E1 interfaces enable it to support a total of up to 248 logical channels, thereby ensuring a high degree of scalability. A major advantage of this unit compared with conventional inverse multiplexers is the integrated Layer 3 switching function, which allows the INV-MUX-E to be used as a fully functional WAN IP switch.

The INV-MUX-E is being marketed as a basic version which can be expanded with the addition of software upgrades. This basic version is a plug-and-play solution for bridged networks and for inverse multiplexing via 4 E1/T1 connections with a maximum bandwidth of 8 Mbps. By activating specific licenses, the user can expand this basic version locally and independently with the addition of further features, e.g. doubling the original 4 E1/T1 interfaces to a maximum of 8 or integrating support for Channelized E1 and Primary Rate Interface (ISDN).

For service providers which use conventional SDH/PDH networks, the INV-MUX-E offers a number of advantages. Thanks to the multilink point-to-point protocol, narrow-band physical transmission paths can be flexibly combined to form logical broadband connections with up to 16 Mbps. These can be used either as downlinks (user connections) or uplinks (connections to backbone overlay networks). This means that bandwidths above and beyond E1/T1 can be used, so that there is no need for major investment in E3/T3 switches, which are frequently over-dimensioned. With a maximum of 8 E1 leased lines, a high degree of scalability is assured: 2 Mbps or 30 B channels can be transmitted over each E1 line.

In a separate release, the company announced:

With its new GM-E, Pandatel AG is presenting an interface converter which facilitates the interconnection of Ethernet LANs by way of standardized E3/T3 lines. The GM-E converts Ethernet data to E3/T3 speeds and features an integrated bridge with VLAN* support. Thanks to its inboard management, the GM-E converter can easily be incorporated into existing networks.

The increased availability of broadband connections in companies has been accompanied by a growing demand for multisite networking solutions. Interface converters are used to connect local networks (LANs) with different standards: they convert the electrical signals in the LANs from one standard to another. At the same time, they ensure optimal utilization of existing lines.

The GM-E interface converter now being introduced by Pandatel converts network interface data (10/100BaseT) to E3 (34.368 Mbps) or T3 (44.736 Mbps) and is therefore ideally suited for carriers, internet service providers or large companies wishing to link their own networks directly to SDH/PDH networks. Small and midsize enterprises with Ethernet networks in different regions can also use the GM-E in order to connect their Ethernet networks via standardized E3/T3 lines, since the direct conversion of the network interface data to E3/T3 does away with the need for a costly routing module. To obtain data from the internet, the user can access a network operator's offerings. As an alternative to E3/T3 lines, the GM-E also supports connection by way of a radio network.

Pandatel supplies the GM-E converter together with an integrated bridge which supports VLAN and thus permits the speedy, straightforward interconnection of two LANs to form a virtual LAN. The interface converter also provides an "auto negotiation" function which facilitates the installation and setup of Ethernet connections considerably, since the converter selects the data speed and duplex mode at the Ethernet interface automatically.

Pandatel AG

Subscribe and receive the latest news from the industry.
Join 62,000+ members. Yes it's completely free.

You May Also Like