Table of Contents:

Definition and Overview

1. Introduction

2. Traditional MAN to Local Access Network Complexity

3. Simplifying the Network Using an MMAP Platform

4. MMAP Architecture

5. MMAP Applications

6. Benefits of the MMAP Approach

7. Conclusion

Self-Test

Glossary

PDF of this tutorial

The benefits of the MMAP approach can be summarized as follows:

• Multiple Function, Multiple Service—The MMAP can be configured to support many different access network or MAN applications simply by selecting and provisioning the appropriate mix of uplink cards and line cards. An extensive variety of functions can be supported, individually or concurrently:
  • Optical multiplexer
  • Multiple-service access platform
  • GR–303/V5.2 gateway
  • T3/E3 aggregation
  • MTU application platform
• Scalability—As demand for access ports from an MMAP increases, capacity can be added easily by installing additional line cards. With its modular design, MMAP capacity can be matched to the required situation, with much finer granularity compared to equipment that has a fixed number of ports. If capacity beyond what can be provided in a single chassis is called for, multiple chassis can be interconnected, as required. Similarly, simply changing the uplink interface card can increase the high-speed uplink capacity. Scalability means there is no need to "over-engineer" a point of presence (POP), to allow "headroom" for future growth. Capacity can be added incrementally and, therefore, much more cost-effectively with the MMAP approach.
• Management—Instead of managing a number of different pieces of equipment—each potentially from different vendors and each with its own management system—the MMAP with all its installed interfaces and functions can be managed as a unit, with a single management interface.
• Lower investment cost—Fewer pieces of equipment translate to lower cost for each POP. Also, "forklift upgrades" are eliminated, as the MMAP can be reconfigured using board swapping if the mix of access types should change, for example.
• Better Return on Investment (ROI)/Faster Payback—Lower equipment costs and the avoidance of obsolescence will result in a much faster return on the carrier's investment.
• Simplicity—As has been shown, the MMAP concept greatly simplifies network architecture for the carrier.
• Lower Customer Churn—Because the carrier is able to provide many different services, customers are more inclined to remain with the carrier.