PMC-Sierra Unveils Solution for Next Gen IP DSLAMs

PMC-Sierra introduced a low cost ATM-to-Ethernet interworking chip for IP DSLAMs supporting Triple Play services. The new S/UNI DUPLEX GE device can be used for line cards in IP DSLAMs that interface to the ATM-based CPE on one side and the Ethernet access network on the other. The device implements ATM to Ethernet conversion in dedicated hardware, a function deployed to date in expensive network processors or FPGAs. PMC-Sierra said this significantly reduces line card cost which is a major portion of the IP DSLAM bill of materials. The hardware-based S/UNI DUPLEX GE also eliminates the need for proprietary software for network processors and reduces the overall development cost of the IP DSLAM.


By terminating ATM traffic from CPE on the line-card, PMC-Sierra's S/UNI DUPLEX GE also enables the use of off-the-shelf Ethernet switches in DSLAMs. The device can simultaneously aggregate up to 144 ADSL2+ modems. It could also support the coming VDSL2 standard. The device has Utopia Level 2 interface for connection to DSL/ADSL2/ADSL2+ modems and an optional POS PHY Level 2 interface for connection to VDSL modems. The device features full Gigabit Ethernet line rate throughput, eight classes of service, and non-blocking multicast. Configurable data encapsulation schemes are also supported to ensure the reusability of the IP DSLAM line-cards across various geographic locations.


The S/UNI DUPLEX GE also offers a migration path for ATM DSLAMs that are based on the PMC-Sierra VORTEX chip set by providing the option for Gigabit Ethernet uplinks.


Integrated dual Gigabit Ethernet SERDES interfaces provide redundancy and backplane driving capabilities in modular central office DSLAMs. When used in fixed remote DSLAMs or Next-Gen DLCs, the SERDES interfaces provide direct connection to SFP optics.


ZTE Corporation is using PMC-Sierra's S/UNI DUPLEX GE for line cards in IP DSLAMs with various form-factors.
http://www.pmc-sierra.com/networking