* Industry excitement swells over delay-elimination technologies
April 1, 2004 – For over 10 years, Tachyon Transmission Mode has awaited a few minor technical details to be worked out before it becomes the foundation for the next generation of WAN transport technologies. TTM uses a totally new physical layer, rather than simply defining yet another X.25 mutant like frame relay, IP, ATM, TCP and MPLS.
Now that voice and video are converging with data communications, TTM’s focus is shifting from efficient file transfer to eliminating delays in real-time communications. When first introduced, TTM was designed to allow users to take full advantage of gigabit-per-second SONET links without “windowing out.” Now, however, the shorter-term delays are the more important factor as companies shift their focus from fundamental technology to business benefits.
In particular, simple signal propagation delay is a major culprit in satellite communications. Additionally, quantization delay for packet voice also sometimes makes cellular communications and VoIP virtually unusable.
At the same time, the megatrend toward moving call centers halfway around the world has rekindled interest in TTM’s related technology for core networks, Graviton-Accelerated Gigabit through Middle Earth (GAG-ME). For both technologies, the fundamental premise is simplicity itself. Rather than attempting to mitigate the effects of traditional delay sources, these sources are simply accepted, and a fundamentally different transmission mode is used to offset the delays – much like matter and anti-matter can be added together to come up with reduced mass.
“As a disruptive technology, TTM is a biggie,” observes Larry Hettick, independent networking consultant and co-author of the Network World Fusion “Convergence” newsletter. “In fact, ROI models show that TTM and GAG-ME might actually create an opportunity for the vendor community to pay end-users who purchase equipment.”
Others also expressed enthusiasm about the potential for TTM and GAG-based networking.
“I’ve had numerous calls from [venture capital] partners asking how they can fund TTM-related start-ups,” says Dave Passmore, The Burton Group’s research director. “TTM and GAG have also appeared on the radar screens of various state public utility commissions trying to figure out how to regulate these new technologies. While they’re concerned about the effect of TTM on rural telco subsidies and carrier reciprocal compensation agreements, they see the tremendous benefits TTM will bring to businesses and residential consumers.”
Consultant Dr. Jim Metzler of Ashton, Metzler & Associates adds his opinion: “Since GAG eliminates delay, it means that we can forget all about MPLS,” he says. “And, while I will miss some of MPLS’s TLAs – ‘three-letter acronyms’ – such as ‘LSR’ and ‘LSP,’ nobody really wanted to switch labels.”
Background technology details on TTM and GAG networks are available at:. Please direct any questions about TTM and GAG technologies to Steve, at taylor@webtorials.com.
https://www.webtorials.com/forum.htm
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