Polaris Networks, a 5-year-old maker of next-generation cross-connect systems, has announced general availability of its OMX optical multi-service multi-band switch, which is intended to assist service providers in migrating from legacy TDM transport networks to multi-service infrastructures.
The Polaris OMX consolidates SONET rings and switches/grooms multi-band traffic. It combines the capabilities of a digital cross-connect, SONET add/drop multiplexer and a Layer 2 switch.
The OMX provides 240G to 2T bit/sec of wideband DS-1/VT1.5, broadband DS-3/STS-1 and “superbroadband” STS-Nc switching capability.
It uses Generalized Multi-protocol Label Switching (GMPLS) as its control-plane signaling mechanism to automate end-to-end service provisioning.
GMPLS is an emerging standard for integrating the control functions of routers and optical transport systems.
The OMX is designed to go up against wideband cross-connects from Tellabs and Alcatel, and broadband systems from Ciena, Lucent and Mahi Networks.
The differentiator for the OMX is its VT1.5 fabric, whereas competitive offerings provide VT1.5 grooming on a per-slot basis, according to Polaris CEO Surya Panditi. Even though the OMX can function as a broadband cross-connect, it’s better serving as an adjacent node to those systems for more detailed grooming, Panditi says.
So far, service provider MacLeod USA has deployed an OMX, under a three-year agreement and after more than a year in lab and field trials. Polaris has another, smaller customer for the OMX, Panditi says.
That’s not much to show after almost five years in the making, but Panditi says it’s a start. He says there’s “a lot of interest” from other carriers but they are hesitant to buy from such a small company, especially after the telecom bubble.
“This is an issue with large carriers,” Panditi says. “The ‘build it and they will come’ days are over.”
Another carrier has informed Polaris that it needs to partner with a bigger, more established company to get any substantial business from it.
In the meantime, Polaris is seeking an undisclosed amount of additional funding, Panditi says.
Pricing for the OMX ranges from $200,000 to $800,000.
