MRV Adds Synchronization over Packet to OptiSwitch 900 to Facilitate Packet Evolution in 4G Mobile Backhaul Networks

MRV COMMUNICATIONS, INC., today announced the OptiSwitch 904-MBH (OS904-MBH), a compact carrier Ethernet demarcation device with support for IEEE 1588v2 and synchronous Ethernet, providing the first wireless demarcation device with the two most popular timing mechanisms for 3G and 4G networks. MRV is a leading networking company with a full line of packet-optical transport (POTS), carrier Ethernet, 40G networking and out-of-band networking products.

The OS904-MBH is the latest addition to the company's OptiSwitch 900 service demarcation series. The platform functions as an Ethernet equipment clock (EEC) and combines both physical layer synchronization over Ethernet (SyncE) and precision time protocol (PTP -- IEEE1588v2), allowing migration to packet-switched wireless backhaul services without the loss of traditional time division multiplexing (TDM)-quality synchronization to cellular base stations. By integrating both technologies, the OS904-MBH becomes the first demarcation device to enable synchronization-gateway functionality between synchronous and asynchronous physical layer networks for both 3G and 4G wireless services.

"Today's carriers are facing growing cost and bandwidth pressures to move from E1/T1 TDM transport to packet-based transport, but the migration to next generation networks (NGN) involves significant technical challenges," said Noam Lotan, chief executive officer of MRV Communications. "With the flexibility of the OS904-MBH, operators can effectively migrate to packet-based backhaul networks to support their existing 3G networks and keep them in place when they move to 4G technologies."

In addition to the synchronization flexibility, the OS904-MBH provides robust traffic management for enhanced quality of service (QoS). With enhanced QoS, network operators can ensure timing packets have priority over other packets sent through the network in order to avoid dropped calls and other connectivity issues. All timing synchronization and connectivity services can be monitored remotely via comprehensive end-to-end Ethernet OAM tools according to IEEE802.1ag CFM, ITU-T Y.1731 PM with nanosecond precision and RF2544 wire speed throughput analysis.

The platform is fully compliant with mobile backhaul specifications including the MEF-22 implementation agreement and MPLS forum framework 20.0.0.

OS904-MBH demonstrated timing synchronization interoperability during Carrier Ethernet World Congress (CEWC) in Berlin, the MEF's main annual event in September and will be on display during Supercomm (Chicago, Ill., Oct. 21-23) at the MRV booth #1925 and will be available in Q4 from MRV's sales force and its worldwide distribution channel.

About OptiSwitch

The OS 900 is part of MRV's OptiSwitch family is an award-winning line of compact carrier Ethernet switching platforms that range from the OptiSwitch 9000 metro Ethernet aggregation products to the OS900 demarcation series. OptiSwitch products offer service providers a full suite of carrier-grade Ethernet services along with high-availability, enhanced quality of services, security, TDM circuit emulation and Ethernet operation, administration and maintenance (OAM) support. This uniquely full suite of OAM tools creates flexible service awareness and rigid SLAs. OptiSwitch products meet IEEE, ITU, IETF and MEF standards, offering complete control to simplify deployment and management while maintaining full interoperability and visibility into customer and provider networks.

About MRV Communications, Inc.

MRV Communications, Inc. is a leading provider of packet switching, packet optical (POTS), physical layer and out-of-band networking equipment, services and optical components for high-speed carrier and enterprise networks and specialized aerospace, defense and other communications networks. Through its wholly owned SourcePhotonics, Inc. subsidiary, the company provides optical communications components for access and fiber-to-the-premises applications. MRV markets and sells its products worldwide, with operations in Europe that provide network system design, integration and distribution. For more information please call (978) 431-5011 or visit our websites at www.mrv.com and www.sourcephotonics.com.

SOURCE: MRV Communications, Inc.

Media Relations 
MRV Communications, Inc. 
David Rodewald, 805-494-9508 
pr@mrv.com

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