As business Ethernet services are becoming the de-facto standard for business connectivity services, there is a growing need for Layer 2 packet/frame aware capabilities within optical transport systems.

Transmode’s portfolio of CWDM and DWDM solutions address this need for tighter integration between Layer 2 aware systems and optical transport systems. Our Intelligent WDM (iWDM™) technology with integrated Layer 2 functionality allows operators to selectively and cost effectively deploy Layer 2 Ethernet services directly from the optical network.

The Transmode Ethernet Muxponder (EMXP) and Ethernet Demarcation Unit (EDU) are examples of Layer 2 plug-in modules within the TM-Series.

These units provide:

• Ethernet demarcation functionality such as prioritization and classification
• Aggregation through statistical multiplexing that enables multiple Ethernet services over a single GbE or 10 GbE LAN PHY uplink for direct connection to 3^rd party switches or routers
• VLAN tagging according to IEEE 802.1 Q-in-Q
• Performance monitoring that follows MEF recommendations
• Throughput parameters
  

These units enable:

• UNI interface
• Ethernet aggregation within the optical network for better port utilization in 3^rd party routers and switches
• Media conversion to WDM optics
• VLAN retagging and reprioritization
• QoS monitoring and service level agreements
• Single units managed from a single management platform
  

In addition, many Layer 1 Ethernet plug-in modules are Layer 2 aware and can support Layer-2 functionality within the optical network