Orion 200, 400, & 800 E1/T1 Network Access Multiplexer

Orion Overview

The Larscom Orion Network Access Multiplexer (Series 200, 400, and 800) combines the features of a universal multiplexer, a multi-port DSU, a network terminating unit, and a performance monitoring unit to help you take advantage of today’s full and fractional E1 and T1 services. Equipped with dual network interfaces (E1 and/or T1), multiplexed DTE ports (up to 8), and user-controlled time slot mapping, Orion is ideally suited for
multi-national networks.

In a small, rack-mountable chassis, Orion provides:

• Two network interfaces (E1, T1, or one of each) with drop-and-insert,
  bypass, and cross-connect capabilities.
  
• Two, four, or eight high-speed DTE ports at multiples of 56/64 kbps;
  V.35, X.21, or RS422/449 interfaces.
  
• A user-friendly, menu-driven Terminal Interface on a TVI925 or
  VT100 terminal.
  
• Front-panel interface with 80-character display, eight entry keys,
  Local Annunciator cut-off key, and status LEDs.
  
• Two communication ports supporting connections to a terminal or
  Network Management System (NMS).
  
• Chain Port for linking up to 30 Orions.
  
• Power connections for an ac or dc source.

Orion also includes advanced monitoring and alarm functions, built-in diagnostics, and downloadable software upgrades.

Orion Applications

Orion combines unique features and flexibility to help simplify networking and decrease costs. Compliant with full and fractional E1/T1 services, Orion provides global access to your international or domestic network.

Applications include:

• Combining voice and data communications.
  
• Interconnecting LANs.
  
• Converting between E1 and T1 facilities.
  
• Monitoring the performance of E1/T1 circuits.
  
• Networking CAD/CAM/CAE systems.
  
• Video teleconferencing.
  
• Linking high-speed terminals and hosts.

Orion makes networking simpler and more economical in several ways:

• On the network side, Orion monitors E1/T1 service, lowering costs for applications by maximizing network uptime.
  
• On the DTE side, Orion interfaces up to eight devices to a network facility, allowing you to employ bandwidth more economically while minimizing the cost of interface equipment.
  
• Orion offers integral SNMP support for management via an SNMPbased management system.
  
• Orion supports T1/E1 conversion, allowing you to bridge T1 and E1 networks.
  
• For voice applications, Orion includes an analog-to-digital signal conversion utility. Orion supports both of the translation laws recommended by CCITT for encoding voice-frequency signals. Commonly referred to as A-law and m-law, each encoding scheme performs this signal conversion differently.

Orion can be used in point-to-point and multipoint applications. In point-to-point applications, a single E1/T1 link connects equipment at two locations as illustrated in Figure 2-2. In multipoint applications, a fractional E1/T1 network routes communication channels (groups of single channels) to three or more locations as illustrated in Figure 2-3.

Orion is ideally suited for drop-and-insert and bypass applications as well. Figure 2-4 shows Orion’s capability to support a LAN at an intermediate node, while voice and CAD/CAM data pass through the intermediate node