Net Insight Introduces Gigabit Ethernet Access Module for QoS Media Networks

Adding a Gigabit Ethernet interface to its multi-service network platform, Net Insight is able to significantly lower the costs for professional quality IP video contribution, mass distribution and high-speed file transfer.

“Media companies already have an IP strategy for their LAN and LAN to LAN data and file transfer traffic. But Ethernet’s poor real-time performance makes it impossible to use the same network resources for live video contribution. The introduction of a Gigabit Ethernet module for our media network platform makes the transition to multi-service IP networks and real-time video transport over Ethernet a reality”, says Bengt J. Olsson, VP Product Management, Net Insight.

The media network platform is designed to provide dynamic capacity for data, video and audio services in one network. Based on the DTM (Dynamic synchronous Transfer Mode) standard, the solution guarantees QoS transport by providing each service a reserved channel throughout the network.

Network resources can be configured with a single operation to match any broadcast or contribution IP video transport requirements ranging from 0,5 Mbps up to full Gigabit speed. Real-time critical services, such as video and audio transport, therefore remain unaffected by network load and are delivered with guaranteed quality of service and constant low delay.

QoS Multicast of Ethernet
Together with Net Insight’s modular multi-service switch Nimbra One, the Gigabit Ethernet Access Module features Ethernet Tunneling Service (ETS), a transparent Layer-2 service for secure data transport outside of the local loop.

To ensure optimal network utilization the Gigabit Ethernet Access Module supports ETS Multicast. With ETS Multicast, operators can provision QoS Ethernet transport over point-to-multipoint topologies. Thus it is possible to distribute content from one video source to any number of recipients in a commercially upscaled network environment. The quality of each recipient’s signal can be sustained regardless of network load, and without the large over-capacity that would be needed in corresponding solutions based on traditional Ethernet. This makes the ETS Multicast solution ideal for Ethernet IPTV distribution solution as well as in contribution networks for traffic between main studio and local branches.

The Gigabit Ethernet Access Module will start shipping during fourth quarter 2002.

Gigabit Ethernet Access Module key features:
* High performance fiber port. Flexible interface options using swappable SFP optics (1000BaseSX/LX).
* Guaranteed quality of service. The Gigabit Ethernet Access Module meets the highest demands on the market, suitable for all types of real-time services such as audio/voice and video feeds.
* Multicast. With ETS Multicast, the module supports point-to-multipoint Ethernet distribution. With guaranteed bandwidth, low and consistent delay and jitter, the ETS Multicast service provides excellent support for real-time critical content such as IPTV and near VoD.
* Extensive management. Management is possible through SNMP, web and CLI. Additionally the Gigabit Ethernet Access Module is prepared for management through Net Insight’s Nimbra Vision management system.
* Hot swap. In order to provide high availability the Gigabit Ethernet Access Module supports hot swap during operation for instant replacement.
* Ethernet Tunneling Service. ETS provides dedicated, easily configurable Ethernet tunnels to provide QoS and file transfer extranet connectivity.
* Enhanced VLAN. Channeled bandwidth increases the value of the IEEE 802.1Q VLAN standard.

Product images can be downloaded at:
http://www.netinsight.net/picarchive.asp

For more information, please contact:
Tomas Duffy, CEO, Net Insight AB.
Phone: +46 8 685 04 00, e-mail: tomas.duffy@netinsight.net
Bengt J. Olsson, VP Product Management, Net Insight AB.
Tel. + 46 8 685 04 68, e-mail: bengt.j.olsson@netinsight.net
Olle Waktel, VP International Sales, Net Insight AB.
Tel. + 46 8 685 04 00, mob. + 46 709 99 30 30, e-mail:
olle.waktel@netinsight.net