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Metrobility Optical Systems Awarded Patent on Remote Management for Optical Ethernet

Posted on: Tuesday, 15 June 2004, 06:00 CDT

Metrobility Optical Systems, Inc. has received a U.S. patent for its remote management over Ethernet technology that provides the ability to remotely manage an end device without an IP address or SNMP agent. Patent 6,741,566 B1 was issued on May 25, 2004.

The technology utilizes a management channel embedded in the inter-packet gap (IPG) between Ethernet frames to send management information in real time across a network. The management channel is transparent to all other Ethernet equipment. The technology provides superior network security since it requires no IP address or SNMP agent.

The patented technology was developed to enable remote troubleshooting and monitoring capabilities that were previously not available in Ethernet. The troubleshooting features include remote link loopback and integral power monitoring, as well as remote monitoring of RMON statistics. Management features include remote 'point-and-click' bandwidth provisioning, and monitoring equipment voltage and temperatures. These features are enabled in real time and do not impact available user bandwidth.

Metrobility's IPG technology is implemented on the Company's Access Line Cards (R231) and Access Optical Network Units (RA21) that are currently shipping. The devices are managed with the Company's NetBeacon Element Manager which provides the ability to test the optical link from the central office, monitor and measure the optical power of the laser, manage bandwidth in 1Mb increments, and provide real-time line and equipment monitoring and maintenance.

The troubleshooting and remote management features set initially enabled by the patented management channel - as well as features included in the IEEE802.3ah Ethernet in the First Mile management draft standard (EFM/OAM) - are available with the Company's newly announced R851 E-Services Line Card. The E-Services Line Card may be managed via SNMP, 802.3ah, or NetBeacon.

"The same capabilities found in wide area networks - remote management, reliable connectivity, access and concentration - are essential to placing Ethernet in the metro access network (MAN), stated Alex Saunders, president and CEO of Metrobility Optical Systems. "Metrobility's IPG technology enabled the development of features for operations, administration, maintenance and provisioning (OAM&P) prior to the EFM OAM draft standard."

The SNMP or IEEE 802.3ah manageable R851 E-Services Line Card will be featured at SuperComm 2004, June 22-24, in Chicago at Metrobility's booth # 22601. The RA21 Optical Network Unit and R231 Access Line Card will also be featured at SCTE's Cable-Tec Expo in Orlando, June 15-18, in Orlando, FL, booth # 2016.

Metrobility has shipped over 1000 units - including those configured with ITU-grid CWDM optics - using this technology to a variety of ILECs, CLECs and MSO's who are utilizing their fiber infrastructure to deploy Ethernet to businesses.

About Metrobility Optical Systems

Metrobility Optical Systems is an innovative, next generation optical networking company focusing on delivering optical access and connectivity to create a more efficient, more reliable, and more manageable network infrastructure. Metrobility delivers superior carrier-class network connectivity solutions to bring WAN-manageable capabilities - optical remote management, connectivity, and access - to the metropolitan area network. As a market leader in media conversion, Metrobility has over a million units installed in networks around the world and is the product of choice for network builders who need to maximize network uptime and ensure network availability.

Metrobility Optical Systems is an ISO 9001:2000 registered company based in Merrimack, New Hampshire USA. More information on Metrobility Optical Systems can be found at www.metrobility.com.

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