With Ethernet over NG-PDH, mobile operators can maximize throughput on PDH backhaul connections,while also preparing for a transition to a Carrier Ethernet based transport network.

As carriers continue to deploy next generation Ethernet over SONET /SDH (EoS) infrastructure, their customers are increasingly looking to consolidate mission critical communications including voice, video and data applications onto IP networks. New IP applications such as packetized voice and interactive video have very stringent requirements for network throughput, latency, and jitter. As a result, carriers' business customers are very interested in the ability to better measure, adjust, and optimize network performance to enforce carrier SLAs (Service Level Agreements) more effectively.

With today's networks transitioning from switching Time Division Multiplex (TDM) traffic to switching packetized data, designers of fourth generation multiservice provisioning platforms (MSPPs) are faced with the challenge of creating a system that is efficient, cost effective and flexible -essentially future-proof- as this transition evolves. TranSwitch Corporation offers a distributed switching architecture that decreases capital expenditures by more than 50% and provides lifetime operating expense savings in both pure TDM and mixed TDM and Packet Network Element (NE) solutions.

Fibre Channel was originally conceived as a Storage Area Network (SAN) standard, envisioning spans of just a few meters between SAN devices. The need to maintain high SAN performance across a geographically distributed network, perform remote data backup for disaster recovery, and other requirements are driving Fibre Channel applications to change and grow across the MAN/WAN. As Fibre Channel applications evolve, enterprises face a growing need to extend Fibre Channel's reach over much longer distances using available MAN/WAN infrastructure.

Service providers face a major issue in determining the best approach for handling the high volumes of Ethernet traffic generated by the proliferation of network access applications. Depending on the requirements of LAN, WAN, or MAN applications, there are a number of approaches that may be used for Ethernet data transport. This paper outlines the advantages and methodologies of Virtual Concatenation (VCAT or VC)and Link Capacity Adjustment Scheme (LCAS), which define the method of transport commonly used in Ethernet over SONET/SDH (EOS) applications, as well as for other data transmission services.

Communications OEMs have traditionally developed network systems by first selecting component hardware based on user plane considerations then programming and debugging software in a lengthy process. Today system-on-chip (SoC)device architectures utilize integrated software and firmware to incorporate a wide range of functionality in a single chip, simplifying device-to-host interfacing and system development. This paper describes how the SoC approach impacts the component vendor's product philosophy and enables design project optimization while quantifying how SoCs can help OEMs achieve faster time-to-market and dramatic savings in project costs.