EXNET Connect delivers an intelligent, open interconnect that extends the high-level switching infrastructure of EXS directly into open service resource processing environments. The result is rapid and cost-effective connection of a wide variety of services such as: voice processing (VP), interactive voice response (IVR), voice over IP (VoIP), fax and video.
ONE Architecture
EXNET Connect is an integral part of Excel's Open Network Expansion (ONE) Architecture, a highly programmable, open, scalable and reliable approach to network infrastructure. ONE Architecture delivers a new standard for growth and flexibility needed to satisfy emerging and existing market requirements. Leveraging Excel's state-of-the-art distributed switch design and powerful high-level programming tools, ONE Architecture empowers application developers and network carriers to thrive in competitive, fast-moving markets by enabling them to implement new services quickly, flexibly and economically.
EXNET Connect Benefits
With EXNET Connect, computer telephony systems based on a full range of industry bus standards can be quickly connected and tightly integrated in the switching fabric of Excel's Expandable Switching System. Voice, video or other media connections can be made from any switching resource on the EXS dual fiber optic backbone, to the chassis where media resource cards reside. Overall benefits are twofold. First, through EXS development and management facilities, developers and service providers can increase profits through reduced time and cost to market. Second, they can differentiate themselves in a competitive environment by being able to select, develop and offer a wide range of media services, economically.
Reduced host overhead
Reflecting a distributed software model, the software companion to EXNET Connect, EXS Resource, intelligently manages media resources within the EXS environment, in a manner transparent to the host and the host application. This capability significantly relieves the host computer of processing overhead.
Maximized network capacity
Because each EXNET Connect card incorporates a dedicated timeslot interchange, it adds switching capacity to support media resources. This distributed processing methodology eliminates the need to use network infrastructure such as E1 or T1 spans to access media. Thus, port capacity formerly required to connect media resources can now be dedicated to revenue-generating network switching activity. The result is increased profitability and return on the switching investment.
Reduced time- and cost-to-market
EXS Resource, a module in the EXS software suite, capitalizes on Excel's Programmable Protocol Language (PPL) to bring the open programmability of the EXS environment to the management of media services. EXS Resource provides a bridge between the EXS switching environment and media resources that use industry standard application program interfaces (API's) such as the ECTF standard S.100 message set. It integrates, seamlessly, with the EXS software environment that supports: common OAM&P management of all resources; a common, rich Excel API host-to-switch message set; and multiple applications in the same environment. A significant benefit of this programmability, flexible API messaging, software integration is eased and shortened applications development, and simplified network operations, reducing costs and time to market.
Enhanced performance and reliability
EXNET Connect performs a number of functions at the call processing level. For example, dynamic routing can be performed without host intervention. Similarly, if redundant media resources are available, the software can configure them either for load-sharing or, in the event of a failure, for backup. These capabilities offload the host and enhance performance and reliability throughout the entire environment.
Flexibility in configurations
From a host perspective, EXNET Connect appears exactly like any other standard EXS switching resource, and is controlled by the same host(s) that controls the rest of the EXS environment. The only difference is that, rather than having EXS switching resources available, there are industry-compatible media resources present. It supports the same, common, internal EXS API messaging, utilizing TCP/IP, and the choice of single or multiple hosts. EXNET Connect is implemented in a single board that plugs into any media processing subsystem with an industry standard bus, and enables that system as a switched resource with EXS. The board incorporates RISC microprocessor technology based on Motorola Power QUICC family. This high density, high performance implementation conserves chassis footprint within the media processing system for deployment of other service resources. EXNET Connect thus delivers a range of choices in host implementation and local configurations. These give service providers great flexibility to meet the dynamic broad-spectrum requirements of their markets.
Features
