PCI-Express comms controller runs eight ports

Interphase Corp has announced the availability of the iSpan 5639 PCI-Express T1/E1/J1 communications controller. The new PCI-Express adapter, which offers four or eight T1/E1 ports with PCI-Express connectivity to the host, is an ideal solution for carrier class rack-mount server based media and signalling applications such as home subscriber servers (HSS), home location registers (HLR), SMS centres, MMS centres, MSC-servers and IN service control points. It is also an optimised solution for media applications such as media servers, service nodes, unified messaging systems and media interface inter-working solutions.

Designed for use in server platforms, the 5639 product features four or eight individually software selectable front access T1/E1/J1 ports available, a gigabit Ethernet port, a powerful onboard Freescale MPC8560 PowerQUICC III processor, PCI-Express connectivity to the host processor(s) and onboard support for multiple network protocols and protocol interworking.

The iSpan 5639 is offered with the robust iWare software development suite spanning multiple protocols and operating systems, along with configuration and diagnostic tools.

The iWare software development suite is also pre-integrated and tested with multiple 3rd party higher layer protocol offerings.

For use in media server and media interworking applications, the product provides system-internal data switching with I-TDM encapsulation of T1/E1 media streams across the gigabit Ethernet connection, as well as optimised data transfers with the host for host-based media processing applications.

'Rack mount server platforms are emerging as a key entry solution for signalling and media applications, especially in emerging markets', said Prasad Kallur, Vice President of Strategic Marketing at Interphase Corp.

'The iSpan 5639 provides a highly intelligent and high performance solution for telecommunications OEMs, with its ability to bridge diverse networks, in a cost-effective and software-rich building block'.

The iWare software support includes Q.SAAL and Q.2140 ATM link layer, SS7 (MTP1 and MTP2) low speed link and high speed link support, Frame Relay, HDLC and ATM protocols providing a high performance implementation on the board coupled with easy to use API's on the host processor for integration with higher layer protocols.

With the integration of I-TDM, the iSpan 5639 is capable of supporting up to 248 voice ports simultaneously and, together with the low layer protocols, offers a fully integrated solution component for voice gateway and media server solutions.

The iSpan 5639, along with other Interphase AdvancedTCA, AdvancedMC and PMC products, will be featured in the Interphase stand (1E67) in Hall 1 and the Interphase hospitality suite in Hall 4 Level 9 suite 4.8HS57 at 3GSM, 2007 in Barcelona, Spain.