DragonWave Inc.: Converged Packet Microwave System Eases Evolution to 4G by Merging Legacy and IP Traffic

DragonWave has integrated pseudowire and packet microwave technologies together into a single packet-based, high-capacity system. Horizon Harmony completely bypasses the shortcomings of hybrid systems that have been optimized for legacy traffic and services and therefore do not offer a clear evolutionary path to a unified flat-IP network.



Horizon Harmony radically simplifies the complexity of transporting converged TDM, ATM, Frame Relay and packet-based Ethernet traffic. Instead of having to manage, interconnect and multiplex legacy and IP traffic independently at every interconnection point in the network, Horizon Harmony converges all traffic onto a single packet-based transport layer and a single network management platform.



Sophisticated traffic convergence and simplified services management are accomplished while still meeting the most stringent network requirements for time-sensitive applications. By reducing complexity, true traffic convergence also reduces management cost and the probability of operator error.



Because the system is software upgradable, the transition from legacy transport to a system optimized for next-generation applications and services can be accomplished with minimal incremental investment. Mobile operators can gradually accommodate changes in their backhaul traffic and service mix.



Mobile system operators who have been searching for a technology that will reduce the risk and cost of transitioning to 4G traffic and services will find it in Horizon Harmony, said Peter Allen, President and CEO of DragonWave Inc. In addition, they will also reap the operational benefits of higher capacity and improved spectral efficiency delivered by the Horizon packet microwave technology.



Horizon Harmony operates in the 6 to 60 GHz frequency range and delivers a number of advanced technologies including: Bandwidth Accelerator, Gigabit Ethernet interfaces in addition to the standard 10/100BaseT interfaces; integrated RF and TDM loopbacks, Hitless Automatic Adaptive Modulation (HAAM); and, advanced Ethernet capabilities such as port-based VLAN tagging/switching and support for advanced Ethernet OAM (operations, administration and management) capability.



Horizon Harmony is DragonWave's first split-mount system to integrate pseudowire technology derived from its acquisition of Axerra with DragonWave's field proven packet microwave technology. The company's DragonWave Fusion product line of access gateways, multi-service packet nodes and aggregation hubs play a key role in creating a strategy for the smooth migration to converged packet networks.