Mahi Networks, a start-up based in Petaluma, California, introduced its metro core platform for integrating SONET add-drop multiplexer (ADM), 3/3 digital cross-connect (DCS), DS-3 breakout capability and Layer 2 Ethernet transport switching in a single box. Mahi Networks said traffic growth continues unabated in core metro networks, with top central offices adding between 6 to 12 new OC48s per year. This requires extensive amounts of new DS3 plumbing to integrate the capacity into the existing network, including the manual installation of many DS-3 interfaces, DSX-3 patch panels, tie cables, repeaters, etc. Mahi's Mi7 is designed to aggregate and groom multi-vendor SONET rings in a new consolidated central office architecture that supports automated provisioning of capacity. Specific applications for the Mi7 include deployment as an Optical Node Interconnection (to serve as a software-configurable crossconnect); SONET Ring Aggregation (to eliminate ADM stacking); Metro Ethernet transport (to eliminate standalone L2 Ethernet switches while leveraging the SONET/SDH backbone); and Automated Transport Networking (to create greater efficiency by using GMPLS in a mesh-protected topology). Key elements of the Mahi platform include a modular system design, a switching fabric that scales to 320 Gbps in 10 Gbps increments, and pluggable optics ranging from very short reach to long reach. The Mi7 implements standards-based automatic protection switching (APS), uni-directional path-switched ring (UPSR), and bi-directional line-switched ring (BLSR) circuit protection schemes; TL1, SNMP and CORBA interfaces; and dual-mode IP and OSI data communications channel (DCC) control planes to provide seamless interoperability with deployed SONET equipment and OSS software. The platform integrates a full IP control plane and supports advanced Layer 2 transport and switching capabilities such as ITU-T X.86, Generic Framing Procedure (GFP), and 802.1. In addition, the Mi7 uses a GMPLS control plane to automate topology discovery, cross-connections, and path selection in multi-vendor environments from the network's edge to core. Mahi Networks said its platform is being tested by 2 of the 4 ILECs, 2 of the top 3 IXCs, and by a nationwide CLEC. The platform has completed Telcordia OSMINE and NEBS Level 3 compliance testing. Separately, Mahi Networks also announced a Strategic Performance Alliance that includes commitments from NEC America, ADC, Mitsui & Co. Ltd., Turin Networks, White Rock Networks, RBN Inc., and SkyOptix.
http://www.mahinetworks.com/
- Mahi Networks has raised $198 million in debt and equity in four rounds of institutional funding.
