Unlike most competing single module solutions that provide FC aggregation, the FC4-T aggregates up to three FC client services—either 2G or 4G—rather than two for greater utilization of available bandwidth and lower overall solutions costs. The module also features a system controller function isolated to avoid interruption to services transport due to standard system maintenance practices.

The FC4-T has three pluggable SFP transceiver ports used for connecting FC client services, and a single network port implemented in discrete Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) optics and intended for longrange OTU-2 transport. This port can be ordered with either a fixed- or tunable-wavelength transmitter. FC client services enter the FC4-T module at the SFP interfaces where service aggregation is performed in a roundrobin fashion from FC client 1 to 3.

The aggregated data stream is then mapped into OTU-2 frames, complete with the OTU-2 header for performance monitoring and alarming, plus Forward Error Correction (FEC) to improve transmission performance over lengthy or degraded spans. The result is a standard OTU-2 frame clocked at 11.05G, rather than the 10.7G line rate, to accommodate all three clients.

The FC4-T comes equipped with an onboard controller that manages card-level functions such as power-up confidence testing, alarm condition detection, transport defect reporting, performance monitoring, and data collection. When installed in the main slot of the CN 4200 or CN 4200 MC chassis, the module can perform system controller functions, including system initialization, diagnostics, provisioning, IP address detection and resolution, alarm reporting, network management connectivity, maintenance, and current and historical performance monitoring.

The controller module is equipped with three management ports which provide the means to provision, control, and monitor the entire chassis. The management ports are active only when the module is used as the system controller.

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