Island Internet Services, an up-and-coming Internet Service Provider (ISP) based in New South Wales, offers its customers a full range of access options, from dial-up modems to permanent connections and web-hosting services to broadband DSL connectivity, Voice over DSL (VoDSL), and Voice over IP (VoIP). Island wanted to extend their data services to the largest customer base possible. To do so they decided to go off net and connect their Ethernet routers over incumbent carrier Telstra's ubiquitous PDH network. However, to offer their services to customers at competitive rates, Island needed to be able to accomplish this affordably. 
Most Economical and Least Complicated SolutionIsland found an innovative and cost-effective way to put their plan into action by deploying RIC-E1 X.21-to-E1 interface converters from RAD Data Communications. "Running data traffic over the incumbent carrier's existing SDH or PDH network is an excellent way for an ISP to introduce new data service packages and extend its coverage area while lowering operating costs and improving profitability," explains Udi Furman, General Manager of RAD Australia. "The challenge, however, is that SDH and PDH transport networks were designed for voice and not data," he continues. "A compact interface converter like the RIC-E1 is the most economical and least complicated solution for overcoming this obstacle," Furman states. "A converter offers simple, cost-effective connectivity to access networks, including leased line services."
David Blandford, Director of Island Internet Services, commented, "We have deployed RIC-E1s in both telephone exchange and customer environments over the last four years and they have performed flawlessly, not a single outage."
Operating full duplex at a rate of 2.048 Mbps, the RIC-E1 converts between E1 interfaces and standard data communications interfaces. The device connects to the Ethernet router's X.21 interface, enabling transparent connection of remote LANs and VLANs over an unframed E1 link while utilizing the full E1 bandwidth. Interfaces are easily interchangeable given the RIC-E1's modular design.
The RAD equipment was supplied to Island Internet Services by Proactive Communication Solutions (PCS), an authorized RAD distributor in Australia.
Variety of Interfaces for Operator Flexibility
RIC-E1 and its sister RIC-T1 converters are available with V.35, X.21, V.36, RS-530, or Ethernet/Fast Ethernet user interfaces for connection over unframed E1 or T1 links, allowing utilization of the full E1/T1 bandwidth. When equipped with an Ethernet bridge interface, the RIC-E1 and RIC-T1 can transparently connect to a 10/100 Mbps LAN, supporting VLANs and auto-negotiation for connection without additional configuration.
Alternatively, the devices can be equipped with an integral IP router that enables them to operate as IP gateways, forwarding IP packets destined to the WAN. This saves the cost of an IP router equipped with an E1 or T1 interface.
To facilitate operation and maintenance the units provide front panel LEDs that indicate transmit/receive activity, E1/T1 signal loss condition, and diagnostic loopback operation. Rear panel LEDs of the Ethernet interface modules indicate the LAN status and activity.
For central office deployment, the RIC-E1 and RIC-T1 are also available as plug-in cards for RAD's space-saving ASM-MN-214, 19-inch card rack.
RAD offers a full range of 10/100BaseT Ethernet-to-SDH/SONET converter products, with network interfaces from E1/T1 to E3/T3 and STM-1/OC-3.
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