Residential Broadband Aggregation

Today residential broadband access is largely over legacy ATM-based DSLAMs, but IP-based DSLAM deployments are growing fast. Service Providers around the world are choosing IP DSLAMs as they architect their networks to leverage the cost advantages of Ethernet technology.

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Hammerhead Systems recognized these trends and requirements and offers a high- density Gigabit Ethernet aggregation function as part of its HSX 6000 solution. The HSX 6000 provides a number of key features that are critical as part of a next-genereration Broadband Aggregation solution:

High density Gigabit Ethernet links to support Triple Play services from IP DSLAMs and GPON

Hierarchical QoS

ATM to Ethernet interworking

MPLS Pseudowire technology to transport legacy ATM circuits over the MPLS core

In addition, the HSX 6000 provides the fundamental attributes which allow Service Providers to continue using legacy ATM DSLAMs or migrate to an IP-based solution on timeframes that make sense for a Service Providers' operational requirements. These functions include:

High Density ATM DSLAM Aggregation – The system can support a high fan in of ATM IMA, DS3/E3 and OC-3/STM-1 circuits and aggregate them onto a high speed Gigabit Ethernet and 10GE trunks for efficient transport them across an IP/MPLS backbone.

Dual Control Plane Architecture – The HSX 6000 supports both an MPLS and ATM PNNI control plane. This enables full Service Interworking between a legacy ATM installed base and the next generation MPLS core.

Hierarchical QoS – The HSX 6000 provides support for per flow policing and per flow queuing which is necessary to support large volumes of subscribers. This QoS utilizes an advanced queuing algorithm to provide the highest QoS for date, voice and video services allowing service providers to economically offer a mix of services on one platform without compromising performance.

Service Interworking – The HSX 6000 uniquely supports service interworking to allow service providers a phased in migration of new IP DSLAMS. Since each of the HSX 6000 service interworking conversions take place along the data path at both the ingress and egress USM modules, this allows the ingress connections to be of any protocol or rate. These include support for ATM, Frame Relay, or Ethernet.

Hammerhead's HSX 6000 is well positioned to support the new IP-based residential broadband services with its IP DSLAM aggregation capabilities, while enabling a smooth migration from legacy ATM equipment. The HSX 6000 has a compact form factor and compelling economics to enable service providers to offer new revenue based services that will result in better margins and lower cost of ownership.