PDF of this tutorialOptical Concentrator
Figure 4. MMAP Configured as Optical Concentrator
Figure 4 shows the MMAP in a configuration where it is used as an optical concentrator. Voice, data, and video traffic are coming in on OC–3/STM–1 interfaces at the client side of the MMAP. This traffic is statistically multiplexed together and transferred on a synchronous optical network (SONET)/synchronous digital hierarchy (SDH) ring. At another MMAP, a part of this traffic can be cross-connected to another fiber ring. At the third MMAP, traffic is transferred to an IP, frame-relay, and/or ATM network. Voice traffic can be sent to a Class-5 switch over a GR–303 interface.
The optical connections can be point-to-point or ring configuration. Uplink cards can be used independently to serve different networks or can be configured as a redundant pair.
Multi-Service Access
Figure 5. MMAP in a Multiple-Service Access Configuration
The MMAP as a multiple-service access device is shown in Figure 5. An MMAP provides a high-density platform for a full range of access facilities for voice and data. Interfaces range from IDSL, ADSL, SDSL, SHDSL, HDSL, HDSL2, T1/E1, T3/E3, and 10/100BT Ethernet. Multiple protocols, such as TDM, frame relay, ATM, and IP can be used. Typically, both traditional TDM voice- and packet-based voice are supported.
The interfaces are open standards and can be configured in any mix-and-match combination. Services can be changed or added simply and without affecting other subscribers.
An MMAP gives the freedom to use a single platform to meet all individual access customer's needs. It significantly reduces the costs associated with using single service-specific platforms.
T3/OC–3 Aggregation
An MMAP provides high input density that can be used to aggregate the outputs of multiple DSLAMs, ADMs, and other MMAPs into a single packet stream. This is shown in Figure 6.
Figure 6. MMAP in T3/OC–3 Aggregation Application
The MMAPs accommodate a range of standards-based inputs including T3/E3 (TDM, ATM, or frame relay) and OC–3c/STM–1. In addition, if additional subscriber services are required at a site where an MMAP is being deployed as an aggregator, these services can be provided directly from the same platform.
On the uplink, OC–3c/STM–1, OC–12c/STM–4, or OC–48c/STM–16 can be used to interface to the network in point-to-point or ring configuration. Some platforms also support T3/E3 ATM uplinks for low-capacity applications.
GR–303/V5.2 Voice Gateway
A key feature of an MMAP is the inclusion of a GR–303/V5.2 voice gateway. This application is shown in Figure 7. Voice traffic enters into the platform via TDM and/or ATM interfaces. Data can be transferred simultaneously in a variety of ways. The voice-over–ATM traffic is converted to TDM, if necessary multiplexed together with native TDM voice traffic, and concentrated onto one or more T1 TDM, T3 TDM, or STS–1 TDM interfaces that connect via a GR–303 interface to a Lucent #5ESS or Nortel DMS 100/500 switch, for example. Partial or full GR–303 groups are supported, and multiple GR–303 groups can be connected to the switch. Data is separately switched to the appropriate frame-relay, ATM, or IP data network.
MMAPs offer cost-effective, scalable, high-capacity solutions for voice over ATM and TDM voice gateway applications. Initial cost is kept to a minimum, and the solution scales well from small- to large-scale deployments as more voice ports are added to the network.
Figure 7. MMAP Used as GR–303 Voice Gateway
Multiple Tenant/Campus Environments
MMAPs provide versatile solutions for providing services to a variety of multiple tenant unit (MTU) building or campus environments. An example is shown in Figure 8. A full range of access facilities for voice and data is available. Due to the highly scalable nature of MMAPs, the same equipment can be used as in the central office. Traditional TDM voice and packet-based voice is supported. Tenants' legacy needs are met, and the flexible, scalable platform can handle requirements for additional traditional or advanced services as required.
For high-capacity applications, a fiber ring or fiber point-to-point connection can be installed in the building. Fiber-based IADs can be connected directly to the IMAP platform offering the customers an unprecedented high-speed access.
In other applications, the connection with downstream devices will be made over copper using the appropriate range of access services. The modularity of the MMAP also allows the mix and match of fiber-based and copper-based access in the same building.
For smaller buildings, reduced-size versions of the MMAP are available. These smaller devices can reuse most of the plug-in cards of a full-size MMAP shelf. As the network management system is exactly the same, the configuration and provisioning of services are performed in a transparent way.
Figure 8. MTU Application for an MMAP
