Inverse Mux Equipment
From: cutelink Date:
2014-02-16
Inverse Mux Equipment
An Inverse Multiplexer (Inverse Mux) is a networking device that transmits a data stream from a high-speed link (e.g. gigabit Ethernet) over a single high-speed communications channel comprised of multiple lower-speed circuits (e.g. T1 or E1). Inverse Mux equipment operates bi-directionally, so two devices are required, one on each end of the circuit.
In contrast, a multiplexer (a.k.a. mux) combines multiple low-speed communication channels (e.g. 64 kbps DS0s) into a single data stream for transmission over a higher-speed circuit (e.g. 2048 kbps E1).
The terms appear similar on the surface. Yet the underlying technologies represent different eras in networking with dramatically different problems. The mux emerged to address the problem of underutilization, or too much bandwidth, whereas the inverse mux addresses the current problem of not enough bandwidth.
The mux was designed for telephony networks to maximize utilization of high-speed trunk lines when user calls required only a fraction of the available bandwidth. The inverse mux, on the other hand, is designed for today's converged Ethernet/IP networks that support bandwidth-intensive data, voice, video, and other media applications. In regions where high-speed fiber-optic cables are not yet available (or too costly for the operator) an Inverse Mux provides a high-bandwidth trunk by exploiting multiple existing copper lines. By bonding multiple T1 or E1 circuits into a transparent channel, (typically 4 or 8 Mbps), Inverse Mux technology bridges the bandwidth gap between T1/E1 and T3/E3 lines.
T1/E1 Bonding ( Bonded T1/E1 and Ethernet over T1/E1) is a networking technology that bundles 2 or more T1 or E1 circuits into a single higher-speed channel or "pipe".
A single T1 offers 1.5 Mbps of bandwidth and a single E1 offers 2 Mbps. While bonded-T1/E1 technology can offer up to 10 Mbps, it is most expedient in the 2-Mbps to 8-Mbps range, above which fractional T3/E3 circuits may be more cost-efficient.
Because it exploits the existing, copper network infrastructure, with circuits that are in-service and already amortized, Ethernet-over-T1/E1 technology is a highly cost-effective way for carriers, service providers and enterprises to increase the bandwidth of network trunks and access links.
The bundled-circuit solution is especially attractive for extending the reach of Ethernet/IP network services to subscriber locations where fiber is unavailable or beyond reasonable budgetary constraints. T1/E1 bonding also alleviates the loop length concerns associated with Ethernet-over DSL solutions.
Historically wide area network (WAN) links have been notoriously slow compared to the Ethernet local area network (LAN). Over time the speed of an Ethernet segment has increased from 10 Mbps to 100 Mbps (Fast Ethernet), and most recently to one gigabit (Gigabit Ethernet). T1/E1 bonding offers an immediate solution to the bandwidth discrepancy between today's user and carrier networks.
Installed in pairs, inverse multiplexer equipment employs bonded T1/E1 technology to create a high-speed n-by-T1/E1 communications channel using MLPPP. |