Extreme Networks announced the general availability of a Provider Backbone Bridging – Traffic Engineering (PBB-TE) solution comprised of new software and hardware. The implementation spans from the edge of the network through the metro core. Key components include:
- Software: ExtremeXOS 12.1 software supports PBB-TE functionality as well as a PBB-TE to VPLS gateway capability that allows the inter-connection of PBB-TE tunnels to a VPLS core network.
- Hardware: Two new modules will be offered for the BlackDiamond12800 series switches. One module is focused on the core and the other on the edge. For the core, a new management module, the MSM-6R, provides enhanced scalability for the VPLS network inter-connections, while at the edge the new XM-2HR interface module reduces costs by combining a 10GE port and 10 GE ports onto a single board, bringing the benefits of PBB-TE to a platform suitable for the network edge.
- Control Plane: The third piece of the solution is a strategic relationship with Soapstone Networks to provide external control plane software. Soapstone has completed integration of the new ExtremeXOS 12.1 release supporting PBB-TE in their Provider Network Controller (PNC) software package. This package helps automate the entire service lifecycle by providing state of the art provisioning, monitoring, optimization, and planning software for PBB-TE networks. Combined with Extreme Networks new software and hardware, the control plane component completes the solution.
Extreme Networks said the benefits of PBB-TE include lower CAPEX and OPEX, carrier class resiliency, simplified provisioning and troubleshooting with deterministic network performance and a familiar operating model.
The BlackDiamond 12804R switch with the ExtremeXOS release 12.1 supporting both PBB-TE and the PBB-TE to VPLS gateway functionality is available now. Including the new MSM-6R, pricing for a complete system starts at US $80,000 List Price. The BlackDiamond 12802R PBB-TE edge switch is also available now with list pricing that starts at US $30,000 for a system including chassis, power supplies, fans, ten ports of gigabit Ethernet, and one 10 gigabit Ethernet port.http://www.multidimensionalethernet.com
