Product Description
The RFL eXmux® 3501* is a substation-hardened IP Access Multiplexer engineered for mission critical infrastructures to transport voice, serial, relaying protection, SCADA, video and Ethernet data communications over Ethernet/IP or MPLS networks, providing the flexibility of backward compatibility with legacy devices and forward compatibility with Ethernet devices on the same communications platform. Designed into the eXmux® 3501 is a distinctive "Hitless Switching" feature with zero-data-loss path recovery technology and a Digital Access Cross-Connect (DACS) function for cross-connecting DS0s between T1/E1 circuits and/or eXmux® 3501 interface unit. The product is designed for harsh applications and is available in two chassis configurations; a mission-critical model that offers module hot-swap capabilities for all functional cards and a economical compact model for applications where module hot swap capability is not required.
The eXmux® 3501 model is interoperable with the previous eXmux® 3500 model.
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Converging two important traffic types into one infrastructure provides the benefit of connecting traditional Voice, Video, Serial data, and relaying protection circuits over Ethernet networks taking advantage of the simplicity and efficiency of IP routing and Ethernet switching. This proven concept offers a cost-effective and feature-rich solution that bridges the gap between the TDM legacy and the modern IP world, achieving the best of both.
The eXmux® 3501 comes with an advanced Graphical Visual Network Management Software (VNMS) for Operations, Administration, Maintenance and Provisioning (OAM&P). The VNMS is intuitive and user-friendly, making configuration, interface port mapping and diagnostics effortless. VNMS communications uses the latest SNMPv3 for authentication and encryption along with cyber security features meeting NERC-CIP requirements.
The eXmux® 3501 can support any network topology such as Linear, Star, Rings and Mesh. When configured in a ring topology, or, when an alternate path exists, each interface port can be individually configured for “Redundancy”, allowing the device to transmit the data to both WAN ports simultaneously. If a path failure occurs, data continues to reach its destination with no interruptions. The average port interface latency (back-to-back channel delay) is less than 10 milliseconds (ms). When the eXmux® 3501 is setup for optimal configuration, latency can be less than 5ms. The low latency capability and the unique “Hitless Switching” mechanism allow critical real-time applications such as SCADA, Teleprotection and Relaying over an IP network just as they are done today on TDM networks.
The eXmux® 3501 uses TDM over IP technology and an integrated Layer 2 Managed Switch, which allows the unit to support Legacy Interfaces such as T1/E1, RS-232, RS 485, Serial Server, RS-530/422, V.35, X.21, G.703, C37.94, Teleprotection and various Voice interfaces, along with native IP solutions. A two-wire telephone service channel is incorporated to provide in-band voice communication to any eXmux® 3501 connected to the network, creating the classic feel of a legacy communications device.
RFL was chosen for the Best Telecom Equipment of UTC EXPO 2012 Product Award, for the eXmux® 3500 TDM over IP access/transport multiplexer at the UTC Telecom 2012 Conference held in Orlando, Florida.
