Science & Technology
Science and TechnologyScience and Technology 
Mon, March 21, 2011
Transition Networks Enhances Carrier Ethernet Portfolio With 802.1ag Capabilities for Fiber Switch Platform
LAS VEGAS, NV--(Marketwire - March 21, 2011) - Transition Networks Inc., the fiber access technology expert, a wholly owned subsidiary of Communications Systems, Inc. (
"Service providers are constantly looking for cost-effective ways to deliver more services and bandwidth to customers while maintaining strict service-level agreements (SLAs)," said Patrick Schaber, Director of Marketing at Transition Networks. "The SM24-1000SFP-AH switch fits nicely into service providers' overall strategy. Its cost, 10G uplinks and rich feature set fills the gap in today's current network infrastructure. This firmware upgrade to support 802.1ag shows our commitment to providing all the necessary tools for the service provider market."
The SM24-1000SFP-AH is a 1.5U form factor consisting of (24) 1000Base-X SFP ports, (2) 10G XFP uplink ports and (2) expansion slots for (2) additional XFP modules. The SFP and XFP ports accept industry standard optical transceivers. The SM24-1000SFP-AH has a standard operating temperature of -20ºC to 65ºC and has hot-swappable redundant AC or DC power supplies.
The SM24-1000SFP-AH switch also includes Carrier Ethernet specific software, QoS and Management features which enable service providers to deliver secure services while checking end to end connectivity for customers across multiple domains. The SM24-1000SFP-AH switch provides Carrier Ethernet service extension over fiber for service providers looking to deploy intelligent and differentiated services.
Product Features and Benefits
802.1ag Service OAM & 802.3ah Link OAM
The SM24-1000SFP-AH is built to address the Service OAM for end-to-end Ethernet service -- helping service providers ensure visibility across their entire network.
With key features like Link OAM and Service OAM capabilities, the SM24-1000SFP-AH ensures rapid detection and isolation of potential service related problems. The ability to have trouble detection and resolution from a central Network Operations Center (NOC) dramatically reduces operating expense (OpEx) and results in a quicker Mean Time to Repair (MTTR).
Flexible Uplink and Downlink Options
The SM24-1000SFP-AH has (24) 1000BASE-X SFP ports to provide Gigabit fiber downlinks. In addition, the switch comes standard with (2) 10G uplink ports, with capability for 2 additional 10G uplink modules for a total of (4) 10G uplink ports, for connections to the core network.
Carrier Ethernet Specific
The SM24-1000SFP-AH switch was specifically designed for service providers deploying Ethernet services. Feature enhancements such as 802.3ah, 802.1ag, Q-in-Q, Carrier Class Rate-Limiting, QoS, 9K jumbo frame support and subscriber isolation are added to help service providers deploy and securely manage the network services they are delivering. The advanced design and service-rich architecture of the SM24-1000SFP-AH enable network operators to deploy reliable and scalable offerings that leverage the inherent high capacity and cost-effectiveness of Ethernet technology to generate maximum revenue. Ethernet business, transport, wireless backhaul, and residential services can be rolled out quickly and reliably, with low cost per subscriber and optimum utilization of network resources.
Enhanced Security Features
The SM24-1000SFP-AH is designed to provide enhanced security and to prevent subscribers' network traffic from affecting overall network performance. To achieve this, the SM24-1000SFP-AH provides features such as Private VLAN, DHCP Snooping and IP Source Guard.
Additionally, the SM24-1000SFP-AH offers Storm Control Protection and Port Security to protect the switch from unwanted attacks and to ensure the switch CPU performs optimally.
To ensure only valid traffic is allowed through the switch, the SM24-1000SFP-AH includes IEEE 802.1x and L2/L3/L4 ACL rules to control traffic and validate the traffic going through the switch.
Product Availability
The SM24-1000SFP-AH switch is generally available for shipping now. Firmware with the IEEE 802.1ag capabilities is available for download at Transition.com. Please contact Transition Networks at (800) 526-9267or [ www.transition.com ] for the latest information.
About Transition Networks Products
Transition Networks' conversion products are known for their ruggedness and reliability. They have a 99.4 percent customer acceptance rating, meaning that approximately one in 1,000 experience failure in the field. All Transition Networks brand of media converters and switches carry a lifetime warranty.
About Transition NetworksInc.
Transition Networks Inc. offers networking connectivity solutions that make networks perform better, faster and more reliably while helping companies leverage their existing networking infrastructure. The company's Transition Networks brand of media converters make conversion between disparate media types possible, providing conversion technology solutions that offer the necessary adaptations without affecting the performance, nature or appearance of the network. Its complete Milan portfolio of multilayer switching products is designed to facilitate low-cost network evolution with unique solutions, easing the stress on networks caused by high-bandwidth applications. Based in Minneapolis, Transition Networks distributes hardware-based connectivity solutions exclusively through a network of resellers in 50 countries, including Ingram Micro and Tech Data. Transition Networks is a wholly owned subsidiary of Communications Systems, Inc., a publicly traded company (
Statements regarding the Company's anticipated performance in 2011 are forward-looking and involve risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to: competitive products and other factors discussed from time to time in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.