Physical Layer Switches

The Media Cross Connect is a scalable, physical layer (layer 1) switch that allows users to connect any port to any other port within the system using a non-blocking digital backplane. Deploying the MCC in a lab environment allows test commitments to be met without compromising quality or responsiveness, or increasing capital or operational expenses.

• Logical Cable Management — Using software commands the MCC allows non-blocking, any port to any other port, bidirectional or unidirectional mappings, one to any multi-point broadcast mapping, and fibre channel arbitrated loop (FCAL) topologies.
• Modular Architecture — The MCC is available in 72, 144 and 288 port configurations that support any protocol or media within a single chassis. All service blades are interchangeable and hot swappable between the chassis types.
• Wide range of data rates and media types — The MCC supports protocols from T1/E1 to Fibre Channel to 10 Gig Ethernet. Different media types, including copper cable and pluggable transceivers such as SFPs and XFPs are supported in the same chassis.
• Wire-Once Technology — Once the lab network and equipment is connected to the MCC, all connections and configurations are done using software commands. Changing a test topology from a point-to-point to a ring or mesh configuration is accomplished by a simple mouse click.
• Media Conversion — Mapping a copper input to a fiber output eliminates the need for standalone converters and maximizes the use of test equipment equipped with one type of connection.
• Increase Lab Efficiency and Productivity — Topologies can be changed and stored using a web-based GUI, or by using a robust industry-standard command line interface (CLI), tests and topologies can be scripted and executed 24/7. Inventory management/tracking is simplified as equipment is not physically moved to perform tests.
• Decrease Capital Expenditures — By sharing expensive test equipment and fixed test beds, capital equipment costs can be minimized without compromising capabilities.