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VoxTechnologies
Enterprise Network Series
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Alcatel SPRITE PCI T1/E1
Network Interface Cards | Rel. 1.0
The SPRITE PCI T1/E1 Network Interface Cards are the first PCI cards from
Alcatel to provide direct connectivity from a Sun SPARCstation or a server
directly into the wide area network (WAN). With these cards, users of the
Alcatel 5620 Network Manager (NM), formerly the 46020 Network Manager*, benefit
from cost-effective routing of control packet switching system (CPSS) traffic in
a secure, manageable environment. SPRITE PCI cards enable users to minimize
costs and maximize network efficiency by eliminating the need for multiple 8230
MainStreet Ethernet Little Bridges.
Newbridge Networks**, in conjunction with Brooktrout Technology Inc.,
developed the first PCI T1/E1 network interface card that provides channelized
T1 (1.544 Mb/s) or E1 (2.048 Mb/s) connectivity directly to Sun SPARCstations,
SPARCservers, UltraServers and Netra Internet Servers.
Network management
SPRITE PCI cards are installed in the 5620 NetworkStation for networks with
up to 20 domains. Used in this manner, the SPRITE PCI card provides the
following advantages for CPSS routing:
- supports multiple gateway links
- provides direct gateway connection, which reduces hop count by one
- routes data as opposed to simply bridging data
- fills a T1/E1 link completely, since it is a fully channelized card
- does not require a major address in its associated domain
The SPRITE PCI card provides connectivity to the 5620-managed networks. It is
a fully channelized card that can completely fill a T1/E1 link.
Applications requiring SPRITE PCI support CPSS
The 5620 communicates with network nodes using CPSS, an Alcatel proprietary
packet switched, error correcting system. CPSS ensures the efficient transport
of information by preventing corrupt or duplicate packets from entering the
management network. As well, to prevent overloading of the management bandwidth,
packet timers ensure that stray packets do not remain in the network. CPSS
messages carry:
- status information so that the nodes can construct routing tables
- control information so that the 5620 can send commands to the nodes
- timing information between nodes that have automatic network
synchronization enabled
- alarm information for the 5620 to gather diagnostic information
- performance information for the 5620 to gather statistics
Note: Customers ordering the SPRITE PCI card for the 5620 CPSS must upgrade
to 5620 Release 3.2, while those ordering the card for non-CPSS applications
will be able to configure it without the 5620 Release 3.2 upgrade. The
configuration code will be included with the SPRITE PCI CD that is shipped with
the card.
Alcatel Distributed Statistics Collector*
The SPRITE card provides a gateway for monitoring and collecting all
performance and accounting statistics, as defined by G.821, from all Alcatel and
partner network elements. This information results in three automatically or
manually created reports: Link Quality Statistics Report, Channel Statistics
Report, and G.821. In addition, this information is available to all client
applications, such as CrossKeys Resolve, CrossKeys NetworkWare and Concord
Network Health. The SPRITE PCI card provides the communications gateway from the
network elements, where applicable.
Alcatel SVC Billing Mediation*
The SPRITE PCI card collects all X.25, ATM and frame relay switched virtual
circuit (SVC) accounting records that are spooled from Alcatel's 36120
MainStreet Packet Transfer Exchange and Alcatel 7470 Multiservice Platform
(MSP), formerly the 36170 Multiservices Switch*, network elements. It provides
the communications gateway from the network elements to the SVC Billing
Mediation, where applicable.
Features
Simple message interface (SMI)
SMI is used by application software to configure the SPRITE PCI card to suit
the specific application. For example, the 5620 uses SMI to configure the card
for transparent T1 or E1 access to the managed network.
Integrated CSU option
This feature improves system reliability by eliminating the need for an
expensive external channel service unit (CSU).
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