TranSwitch Corp. announced the EtherMap-PDH, a flexible device that delivers new revenue-generating Ethernet services into the last mile over existing copper infrastructure. Ethernet-over-PDH (EoPDH) is a complementary extension of Ethernet-over-SONET/SDH (EoS) to bring cost-effective Ethernet services closer to the subscriber.

EtherMap-PDH is a protocol converter that transports Ethernet services over existing PDH (Plesiochronous Digital Hierarchy) signal formats. According to the company, the flexibility of the device enables the mapping of Ethernet frames via GFP/HDLC/LAPS into bonded PDH signals. EtherMap-PDH can be designed into any platform that has a PDH interface for wire line and wireless applications, and supports three modes of operation that are applicable to a variety of wire line and wireless applications. The three modes of operation are:

• Ethernet frames mapped into 16 x E1/T1/J1;
• Ethernet frames mapped into 3 x DS3; and
• Ethernet frames and existing legacy services multiplexed into a channelized DS3, with 1+1 protection.

The EtherMap-PDH device provides 32Mbps of bandwidth (16 x E1/T1/J1), while also taking advantage of the economic merits of Ethernet for an IP UTRAN (Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network).

"The EtherMap-PDH device will accelerate the implementation of packet-based networks while ensuring a robust encapsulation scheme with GFP and flexible bonding requirements with VCAT," commented Johnny Leung, director of Product Line Management for TranSwitch.

Compliant with the recently ratified ITU-T G.8040 and G.7043 standards, the EtherMap-PDH device will be available for sampling in January 2006. TranSwitch will also provide a certification/demonstration board with the associated software.