Data Center Solutions

Data Networks are key resources to Large Enterprises, Governments and Carriers. Connected by high speed fiber-optic links, they provide key information, resources and services. Managing these external optical links is an increasing problem for Data Network managers. Rapid growth in both the number and speeds of these links, combined with the need for increased reliability and flexibility, must be handled while reducing operational costs.

Glimmerglass Intelligent Optical Switching solutions greatly improve both Data Network reliability and provide the flexibility to handle high growth while facilitating "Lights Out" Network Nodes.

Data Center Diagram

Create

Glimmerglass switches provide a full non-blocking, transparent crossconnect. In milliseconds a lightpath can be provisioned between any fiber input and output. The distribution of external feeds to network nodes can be rapidly and remotely reconfigured with a few clicks of a mouse using the Glimmerglass ClickFlow GUI interface or with a few TL1 commands. Since the lightpaths are fully transparent, the newly created lightpath will transport any data format and speed

Monitor

Continuous input and output power monitoring, combined with transparent switching, provides the Data Network operator with a superior tool for monitoring the health of the network and rapid fault isolation. In the event that the optical power monitoring detects a fault, the network manager can quickly reconfigure and restore service. If the fault is more serious, loopback paths may be created in milliseconds to help isolate the fault to a particular piece of equipment. All of this can be performed remotely with no on-site intervention required.

Reconfigure

With the ability to rapidly transfer massive data streams from one set of lightpaths to another, Glimmerglass switches are the ideal solution for providing reliable external connectivity. Glimmerglass switches can rapidly reconfigure a backup service to replace any failed external link. In addition, in the event of an equipment failure, or other disruption, Glimmerglass switches can reroute all of the effected traffic to alternate network locations.

High Density, Low Profile

Glimmerglass Intelligent Optical Switches have the highest fiber density in the industry. Up to 192 fibers (96 x 96) are supported in just two rack units (3.5” or 8.9cm) and up to 384 fibers (192 x 192) in 4 rack units. Weighing only 20 to 38 pounds (9 to 17kg), power consumption ranges from 50 to 85 watts and requires no special cooling.

Future Proof

Glimmerglass Intelligent Optical Switches fully transparent crossconnects. Once installed, the Data Center is ready for any future data rate or format. No changes are required to migrate from GE to 10GE to 100GE or even 40G SONET/SDH. Upgrade the endpoints, not the switching fabric. In addition, as non-blocking crossconnects, Glimmerglass solutions facilitate the introduction of new server equipment and future migrations to new architectures.

Learn More

“The Glimmerglass Systems allow us to easily integrate new 10-Gigabit Ethernet equipment that we can instantly disconnect
from live traffic for maintenance purposes.”

—Henk Steenman,
Chief Technical Officer,
AMS-IX B.V.

“These switches can essentially re-cable all of the physical fiber connections between network interfaces, optical devices and equipement on the fly, in milliseconds, remotely and at the touch of a button.”

—Rick Summerhill,
Director of Network Research, Architecture and Technologies, Internet2