Fujitsu Embraces PBB-TE for Carrier Ethernet

Fujitsu Network Communications Inc. today publicly embraced PBB-TE technology for use in metro Ethernet environments.

Despite reports from xchange, among others, that BT has cooled on PBT, the proprietary precursor to PBB-TE, Fujitsu market development director Sam Lisle told xchange that Fujitsu thinks PBB-TE is “a very excellent solution” for simplifying aggregation and network management in metropolitan area networks.

PBB-TE for Carrier Ethernet

PBB-TE is a good match for metro Ethernet applications given it dovetails with the circuit-based aggregation network operational model, which for service providers means the ability to preserve investment in transport operations staff training and existing OSS. It also simplifies software management and the protection architecture. It reduces the size and complexity of the routed network topology and the number of network layers, meaning there are as a result fewer layers to provision and troubleshoot. And it eliminates complex processor software, according to Fujitsu.

Responding to xchange’s question as to why Fujitsu is embracing PBB-TE around the same time BT, one of the key initial boosters of PBT/PBB-TE, is distancing itself from the technologies, Lisle responded that Fujitsu is promoting PBB-TE specifically for Ethernet in metro environments, not as an MPLS replacement for the core, an application for which some have suggested it might work.

“I think what you’re starting to see is carriers saying that for MPLS it’s not a great fit, and PBT still looks interesting for Ethernet metro,” he said.

That’s why Fujitsu is using PBB-TE in its packet optical networking platform, the FLASHWAVE 9500, said Lisle. The company announced the FLASHWAVE 9500 last year just before NXTcomm. At the time Fujitsu mentioned the solution does connection-oriented Ethernet, but didn’t specifically note it does so by employing PBB-TE, Lisle added. PBB-TE will be generally available in the FLASHWAVE 9500 starting early next year and will be available for customer trials by the end of the year. The company also plans to add PBB-TE support in its FLASHWAVE CDS, which it announced yesterday.

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