Laurel Networks introduced a smaller, lower-cost version of its Service Edge Router. Like its flagship ST200, the ST50 combines Internet routing, Layer 2 switching, broadband subscriber management, high availability and integrated service management, while adding ST50 MiniPHY (physical interface) cards with enhanced levels of interface granularity. Key features of the ST50 include:
- initial support for 1-port Gigabit Ethernet MiniPHYs (up to 16 per system with support for 802.1 Q VLANs, 802.1p prioritization and PPPoE) and 1 port OC-3c/STM-1 MiniPHYs (up to 16 per system with support for PPPoX for DSL, PPP/POS and ATM). Like the ST200, the ST50 maintains wire-speed performance with all services enabled on every port.
- support for up to 32,000 active sessions with features enabled to deliver the advanced services outlined in the DSL Forum TR-59 architecture. The platform provides integrated ATM switching.
- extensive Internet Routing, including IPv6, BGP-4, IS-IS-TE, OSPF-TE, RIPv1, RIPv2, LDP, RSVP-TE and MPLS IP VPNs, which enables backbone routing, session management and dynamic business or wholesale VPN routing.
- Layer 2 Switching of ATM, Frame Relay and Ethernet, which enables network element consolidation while delivering current and future services. Like the ST200, the ST50 supports ATM virtual paths or virtual circuits, Ethernet switching, PWE3 compliant ATM, Frame Relay or Ethernet and any-to-any service interworking.
- sophisticated-per-Connection/Session QoS, which enables multiple service classes to prioritize mission-critical services over best-effort traffic.
- integrated Service Management with higher-level operational support systems (OSSs) via the Laurel Provisioning System. Policy management supports dynamic self-provisioning of broadband services via web portals.
Laurel is also releasing new system software that adds non-stop sessions, IPv6 and LAC (L2TP Access Concentrator) functionality. http://www.laurelnetworks.com
