CoreDirector FS is a multiservice, multi-protocol optical switching system that consolidates the functionality of a MSPP, DCS, Ethernet, and Optical Transport Network (OTN) switch into a single, high-capacity intelligent switching system.

The CoreDirector FS supports both TDM and Ethernet services, facilitating service provider migration to a converged next-generation network. Providing high-function, Layer 1 and Layer 2 switching capabilities, CoreDirector FS is optimized for the aggregation and forwarding of multiple services, including Ethernet/TDM Private Line, Triple Play, and IP services. CoreDirector FS gives service providers the ability to minimize significantly their network capital costs through reductions in equipment, space, power, and spares, while also cutting operational costs via process automation and network simplification.

Intelligent Optical Mesh Networking
At the heart of each CoreDirector FS system is intelligent embedded software that allows service providers to deploy an optical mesh network based on distributed intelligence, as shown in Figure 1. The CoreDirector FS intelligent network is designed to:

• Automate service provider provisioning, inventory, and operations processes
• Provide the highest availability to TDM and Ethernet services
• Enable class of service differentiation
• Simplify operations and reduce capacity requirements
• Seamlessly integrate into a service provider’s operations environment

Each CoreDirector FS in the network has its own database containing data on other CoreDirectors and the resources in the network. CoreDirector FS utilizes standards-based signaling and routing protocols to support control plane intelligence for providing real-time resource inventory discovery and database synchronization, intelligent mapping of service requests to network resources, and fully automated, end-to-end activation and deactivation of end-user services. Each CoreDirector FS database is automatically updated when there is a change in the network (such as a new node added). The control plane’s intelligence is also used to support CoreDirector FS FastMesh® restoration. FastMesh provides the ability to fully utilize any available network capacity to reroute services around multiple network failures. FastMesh can be combined with SONET/SDH line and path protection schemes to provide even higher levels of service availability.

Service-Driven Networks
The CoreDirector FS and ActivSpan 4200® Advanced Services Platform combination contribute to a service-driven network that enables operators to offer end-to-end managed services, such as video delivery, business Ethernet, IPTV, storage, and more, under a single management system.

This system simplifies service creation through point-and-click provisioning, creating bandwidth-on-demand services in minutes, and enhancing service velocity for faster revenue generation. Headending metro/regional rings coupled with a mesh core reduces Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) by requiring fewer network elements while providing cost-effective, on-demand, end-to-end, six-9s availability service delivery.

Ethernet Services And Network Convergence
CoreDirector FS’ integrated data solutions and industry-leading intelligence and reliability offer service providers a cost-effective, robust solution that facilitates convergence to a single data network, while being able to generate new revenues with differentiated data service offerings. CoreDirector FS supports a suite of data-aware solutions that support lower-cost Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) and 10GbE hand-offs to IP/MPLS networks. These solutions efficiently transport Ethernet services over highly-reliable SONET/SDH infrastructure, utilizing Generic Framing Procedure (GFP), Virtual Concatenation (VCAT), and Link Capacity Adjustment Scheme (LCAS), and provide options for both Layer 1 and Layer 2 switching and aggregation. Integration of Layer 2 switching functionality makes CoreDirector FS a cost-effective solution for aggregating metro/regional TDM and Ethernet traffic and forwarding the traffic to TDM or IP/MPLS cores respectively.

Ciena may make changes from time to time to the products or specifications contained herein without notice.