Multi-Protocol Processor Eyes 10-Gb/s Optical Apps

A new multi-protocol processor has its sights set on 10-Gb/s optical networking. It includes the following processing units: 10 Gigabit Ethernet (GbE), packet-over-SONET (POS), SONET, and statistics monitoring (see diagram). The 10 GbE processor provides 802.3 flow control, MAC encapsulation, and PCS coding capabilities. The POS processor provides HDLC/PPP encapsulation, HDLC transparency processing, and POS coding functions. The SONET processor provides programmable section, line and path termination for OC-192c. The monitoring processor accumulates Ethernet packet statistics per IETF RFC 1757, with enhancements for POS compatibility. As shown in the diagram, the multi-protocol processor will be incorporated into the companyÕs Multi-protocol Module.