|
Customizable Data Linecard Solutions
TPACK is a provider of linecard solutions to telecommunication equipment providers who wish to provide data services over the existing telecommunication network. The linecard solutions are based on FPGA designs for mapping, framing, and switching of packet data services. As FPGAs can be programmed and re-programmed, it is possible for TPACK to provide a standard solution that can be implemented quickly, while also providing the ability to customize the solution to meet the particular needs of the customer, whether it be support of a proprietary interface or the introduction of distinctive, customer-specific features. Re-programmability also means that future upgrades and support of new standards are easily accommodated without the need for a new linecard design.
No Compromises with Stratix II FPGAs
TPACK has leveraged the power of Altera’s high-speed and high-capacity Stratix II FPGA products to provide complex, integrated chipset designs incorporating rich feature sets and high performance. Using Stratix II devices, no compromises are needed with respect to speed or functionality in providing a complete solution that can be delivered quickly. This value proposition is further enhanced by the ability to convert the Stratix II-based designs to a fully pin-compatible and feature-compatible HardCopy ASIC, providing TPACK customers with a path to lower per-unit cost pricing in production.
Ethernet over Next-Generation SONET/SDH Solutions
TPACK's ability to accommodate customer-specific requirements has proven to be a huge success for TPACK, particularly in the Ethernet over Next Generation SONET/SDH market. Telecom service providers and vendors of SONET/SDH equipment are motivated to extend the lifetime of their $200 billion investment in existing SONET/SDH infrastructure. By offering data services based on Ethernet over the existing SONET/SDH network, service providers can offer a simple, ubiquitous, familiar and above all cheap interface, while still providing the Carrier Class Quality of Service that subscribers have come to expect.
Ethernet Mapping to SONET/SDH using TPW192-S
TPACK’s solution is based on International Telecommunications Union (ITU)-T standards for mapping of Ethernet to SONET/SDH called GFP-F, VCAT, and LCAS. TPACK was one of the first vendors to provide a complete solution that also included support for low-speed interfaces. TPACK’s solutions scale from VT1.5/VC11 to STS-192/STM-64 and utilizes the dynamic bandwidth allocation and "right-sizing" of VCAT/LCAS to efficiently support any Ethernet data rate from 1.5 Mbps to 10 Gbps. TPACK’s latest product is the TPW192-S 10-Gbps Packet Mapper Solution for NG-SDH/SONET.
Virtual LAN and VPN Services using TPX3000
The TPACK Ethernet over SONET/SDH solution is enhanced by the incorporation of packet switching and traffic management provided by the TPX3000 40-Gbps Carrier Packet Engine Ethernet/MPLS Switch Solution. This is a 40-Gbps packet switching solution supporting any combination of Ethernet MAC, VLAN, MPLS, VPLS, or PWE3 interfaces. When combined with the TPW192-S, it allows virtual LAN and VPN services to be offered over the existing SONET/SDH network.
The solution is based on two FPGA designs. In normal operation, it provides a fully non-blocking 40-Gbps packet switch solution. However, in the event of a failure, there is a graceful degradation to 20-Gbps capacity, which returns to 40 Gbps once the issue is resolved. This is a unique redundancy feature that is equally applicable to non-SONET/SDH-based Ethernet solutions. The TPX3000 also provides advanced traffic management capabilities for traffic shaping, policing, and queuing. These ensure that each data service is provided according to the agreed quality of service levels ensuring that all services, even those classified as best effort, are guaranteed their Committed Information Rate (CIR).
Security Is Paramount
As FPGAs are programmable devices, the "product" delivered by TPACK is a binary programming file used to program the particular Altera® FPGA. Security is therefore an issue for both TPACK and telecom equipment providers, who often request TPACK to incorporate proprietary functionality and features in their customized solution. Altera’s Stratix II design security feature addresses these concerns.
"Altera provides a complete design security solution, which supports our royalty-based business model. The non-volatile security provided by Stratix II FPGAs and HardCopy ASICs allows us to deliver solutions that offer the security of ASSPs and the time-to-market and customization advantages of programmable logic. Aided by the combination of this unique feature with the industry-leading performance and density in Stratix II FPGAs, we can offer comprehensive Ethernet/MPLS and Ethernet over SONET/SDH solutions that meet the most rigorous requirements."
Peter Viereck
CEO
|
Literature
> 
