IP Infusion and Tail-f Systems say they'll jointly develop packet-based, carrier-grade management solutions combining the former's Linux-based, carrier-grade ZebOS middleware with the latter's ConfD configuration software — supporting CLI, web, SNMP, and Netconf management interfaces. Meanwhile, IP Infusion says that ZebOS is acting as the control and management plane software for Centec Networks' new Carrier Ethernet CTC6048 processor.

The alliance with Sweden-based configuration management software vendor Tail-f Systems covers collaboration on product integration, as well as sales and marketing, says IP Infusion, a subsidiary of Japanese mobile software firm Access. IP Infusion will integrate and license Tail-f's ConfD on-device management software with its ZebOS Network Platform protocol stacks, says the company.
 

Tail-f's ConfD offers on-device Netconf, SNMP, CLI, and/or web interfaces.

ZebOS is a Linux-based "Next Generation Network" (NGN) Layer 2 and Layer 3 carrier-class routing and switching software suite. It is said to support provider edge, metro access/aggregation, and mobile backhaul equipment, as well as data center switches and enterprise switches and routers.

In July, IP Infusion announced it was adding MPLS-TP (MPLS-Transport Profile) support to ZebOS. In March, the company announced version 7.8 of ZebOS, adding support for Generalized Multiprotocol Label Switching (GMPLS), Data Center Bridging, and MPLS resiliency for wireless backhaul and Metro Ethernet Forum (MEF) implementations.

Tail-f's ConfD, which has been adopted by fellow Swedish firm Enea, along with many others, provides XML-based network management and configuration. ConfD will extend ZebOS with additional management interfaces including Cisco and Juniper Networks-style CLIs, web UIs, and Tail-f's own Netconf, say the partners.

The software is said to automate time-consuming and error-prone tasks inherent in configuring complex distributed networking equipment. Touted ConfD capabilities include transaction management, high availability (HA), security, and role-based access control.

Stated Shane Rigby, vice president of business development and global sales, IP Infusion, "Our growing base of Tier 1/2 customers are asking for more robust management features and support for additional interfaces such as Netconf. Partnering with Tail-f Systems allows us to rapidly deliver these capabilities."

ZebOS integrated in new Carrier Ethernet processor

In another recent IP Infusion announcement, ZebOS Network Platform has been selected by Centec Networks as the control and management plane software for Centec's newly sampling CTC6048 IP/Ethernet switching processor.  ZebOS is said to help Centec support the multitude of standards required in Carrier Ethernet implementations, such as in Metro Ethernet "edge" networks.

ZebOS provides the CTC6048 (pictured at left) with IPv4 and IPv6 Layer 2/Layer 3 MPLS and Metro Ethernet protocols implementations for interworking between Ethernet and IP/MPLS networks, says IP Infusion.

The CTC6048 packet processor offers 100Gbps performance on NGN Carrier Ethernet networks, says Centec. The processor supports fixed and modular systems used in access, edge, and, aggregation IP/Ethernet routing switches, says the company. Other applications are said to include packet transport network (PTN) platforms, optical line termination (OLT) systems, and wireless backhaul gateways.

Touted CTC6048 features include hardware-based IPv4 and IPv6 dual-stack routing, MPLS switching, and advanced multicast and IP/MPLS tunneling protocols. The processor is said to support switching on 48 gigabit Ethernet ports and four 10 gigabit Ethernet (10GbE) ports. (More information may be found in the link farther below.)

IP Infusion's Network Solutions Services were also used by Centec, including consultation on network software architectures, design, technologies, protocols, and product development, says the company.

Stated Koichi Narasaki, president and CEO, IP Infusion, "Centec Networks is known throughout the industry as a leading innovator of carrier-grade IP/Ethernet switching silicon and advanced ODM/OEM system solutions and we are very excited that they have chosen ZebOS for their CTC6048 processor."

Stated Tao Gu, chief technology officer at Centec Networks, "As the market demand for Carrier Ethernet continues to explode, we required a software partner capable of helping us deliver high-performance products on time and on budget. IP Infusion has proven invaluable in helping us achieve these objectives."

Availability

No availability information was provided on the jointly developed ZebOS/ConfD products. More information about Tail-f Systems and IP Infusion may be found here and here, respectively.

More information on the Centec Networks CTC6048 processor may be found at Centec's site, here.

IP Infusion is demonstrating the CTC6048 solution through today at booth #17, at the Carrier Ethernet World Congress Europe 2010 in Warsaw, Poland.

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