DNX Multiservice Cross-Connects

Access Aggregation, Grooming, and Switching from DS0 through OC-3/STM-1

DNX Highlights

Non-Blocking 3-1-0 Switching
Hot Swappable Modules
DS0 through OC-3/STM-1 Interfaces
Scalability from 8 T1/E1s to over 2600 T1s or
2300 E1s
Optional Integration of Circuit/Packet Processing

Introduction

DNX bandwidth management platforms provide digital cross-connect, traffic grooming and concentration, test access and diagnostics, and an industry-first integration of circuit/packet processing functions on a carrier-grade cross-connect. In fixed line, mobile, and private networks worldwide, DNX products help optimize service delivery through transmission network cost savings, equipment consolidation, and enhanced network reliability. DNX provides the power of a large footprint digital cross-connect (DCS) in a compact, scalable platform, and combines a unique IP forwarding engine and edge networking features not found in traditional DCS systems, at a fraction of the cost.

DNX platforms accommodate narrowband, wideband, and broadband services and adapt to a wide range of network applications – mobile, enterprise, utility, teleport, network overbuilder, IXC, ILEC, RBOC, ISP, SS7, and international. In each of these networks, the DNX handles vital functions – grooming and service delivery, port concentration, and backhaul consolidation – while providing the remote test access capabilities required to assure customer satisfaction.

As networks migrate from copper to optical and from circuit-switched to packet- and cell-based technologies, DNX platforms facilitate the transition. By connecting copper-based edge facilities to optical core infrastructures, providing port concentration and grooming for protocol-based platforms, and integrating circuit/packet processing within a single platform, the DNX forms a reliable bridge between present and future networks.

DNX Platforms

S-DNX: The highest-capacity platform leverages a distributed switch fabric and I/O architecture to expand DNX-88 capacity by a factor of four, to thousands of T1/E1 ports

DNX-88: Scalable, mid-range platform enables growth to hundreds of T1/E1 ports, with integrated IP technology to support seamless transition from TDM to IP

DNX-11: The fundamental building block of the DNX family provides a non-blocking cross-connect switch fabric, narrowband and broadband interface options, and an industry-unique integration of circuit/packet technology

DNX Architecture

Each platform in the DNX product line employs a non-blocking, time-slot interchange (TSI) switching fabric that can accommodate more than 600 T1s or 500 E1s, 24 DS3s or STS-1s, 30 E3s or up to 8 OC-3/STM-1s. At their core, the systems combine narrowband (1/0) switching and wideband switching (DS1/VT/VC) within the same fabric. Additionally, all interfaces can be protected through N+1 or 1+1 redundancy, depending on the interface type, along with 1+1 redundancy in the common elements. A true carrier-class product, the DNX also offers NEBS Level 3 compliance and an array of network management options.

IP Technology Integration

The DNX-11/88 with a Circuit/Packet eXchange (CPX) IP interface provides single chassis support for circuit or packet traffic, up to 1024 DS0 or 32 T1/E1 virtual WAN connections, and is fully interoperable with Ethernet/PPP-compliant routers and signaling elements (STP and SCP). This industry-first integration of circuit/packet functionality on a carrier-grade cross-connect supports a seamless transition from TDM to IP technology in both fixed line and mobile networks. CPX also solves many operational challenges of signaling network migration from SS7 to Sigtran.

System Management

Network operations personnel can perform configuration, provisioning, and a wide variety of diagnostic tests from a menu-driven user interface or through the comprehensive ENvision Plus network management platform. Either approach provides an embedded, multi-level security scheme through a craftsperson interface, Telnet, SNMP, or dial-up interfaces. Audit trails, circuit naming, and configuration uploads and downloads are just a few of the many available features.

ENvision Plus brings unique value to managing a network of DNX products, incorporating end-to-end connection routing that greatly accelerates service delivery by simplifying the provisioning process. A topology-based routing algorithm improves network resiliency, with path and site-level protection options that automatically reroute traffic around network faults when they occur. In concert with the DNX product suite, ENvision Plus delivers the fault management, provisioning, and planning functions critical to efficient and reliable network performance.

Reliability and Redundancy

DNX products offer redundancy at all levels of operation. Redundant System Management Controllers (SMCs) provide central control, and offer internal Stratum 3 timing with holdover and hitless switchover, ensuring uninterrupted service. The DNX-11 and DNX-88 can be configured for AC or DC redundant load-sharing power supplies, with independent inputs from power distribution panels. Power supply monitoring ensures alarming in the event of a failure. The DNX-1u also supports power module redundancy, and automatic protection switching (APS) that works in conjunction with other DNX platforms to maximize service availability.

Diagnostic Benefits

Test access and diagnostics are part of every product in the DNX product line. These features add value through quick resolution of network outages, enabling operators to meet service level agreements. Deployed in conjunction with external TAD/FAD test heads, the DNX can be integrated with existing network diagnostic facilities. Innovative IP/Ethernet test access features on the CPX module set bring all the circuit-based, carrier-grade diagnostics and test facilities of DNX platforms to packet-switched networks.