Carrier Ethernet

MRV (News - Alert) Communications, a provider of optical communications network infrastructure equipment and integration and managed services, announced that its Optical Communications Systems (OCS) Division is participating in the third installment of interoperability trials with CableLabs (News - Alert) specifications for DOCSIS Provisioning of Ethernet Passive Optical Network (EPON) or “DPoE.”

These tests certify the ability of Carrier Ethernet access solutions to interoperate with other devices in end-to-end networking scenarios. DPoE specifications define the methods for EPON equipment to be provisioned using DOCSIS systems and service concepts in support of Metro Ethernet Forum (News - Alert) (MEF) defined standards for simplified Metro Ethernet services.

CableLabs’ interoperability testing events feature several combinations of IP and Ethernet equipment from multiple suppliers to create a DPoE network that spans across multiple systems operators (MSOs) and is cost-effective, reduces deployment time, and increases network reliability.

This is the third installment of the interoperability trials with Cablelabs. The third trial involved the testing of its OptiSwitch Carrier Ethernet Access solution, which can be deployed over an EPON using the providers' current DOCSIS back office.  

OptiSwitch, according to company officials, offers service providers a full suite of business and wholesale Ethernet services, mobile Ethernet backhaul capabilities and superior, hardware-based Ethernet operation, administration and maintenance (OAM) tools.

Recently the company announced the launch of OptiSwitch OS940-M, the latest addition to its OptiSwitch OS900 portfolio. The new OptiSwitch is designed to offer high service scalability and simplicity for mobile Ethernet backhaul and business Ethernet applications.

"In order to meet the enormous demand for additional bandwidth, many MSOs are expanding into Carrier Ethernet business services and mobile Ethernet backhaul services,” said Zeev Draer, vice president, Strategic Marketing for MRV-OCS, in a statement. “The ability to interconnect Carrier Ethernet services across multiple MSOs is a crucial element in successful network expansion and the CableLabs trials highlight the multi-vendor interoperability needed to deliver these services.”

The tests demonstrate OptiSwitch's best-in-class functionality and MEF (News - Alert)-powered capabilities that enable new revenue-generating business services and advanced backhaul networks, Draer said. The test ensures end-to-end infrastructure compatibility to enable MSOs to invest in a future-proof network while offering enhanced MEF-compliant services to businesses.

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