By Aminuddin Ahmad, TPM IT

TPM New Network Backbone

Technology Park Malaysia (TPM) is upgrading its TPMNet campus network to the new Next Generation Network - Metro Ethernet network (NGN Metro – e). NGN, according to Wikipedia, describes as a key architectural evolution in telecommunications and the access networks, while Metro-e is a general term used to describe an Ethernet technology network in a metropolitan area. These two concepts and technology will service TPM and all its occupants or incubatees.

The general idea behind NGN concept is that a network will be able to transport all information and services namely voice, data and video using a single connection. To achieve this triple play aspiration, TPMNet will implement the Multiprotocol Layer Switching - based Metro-Ethernet (MPLS-basedMetro-e) on the network.

Metro-e is basically an Ethernet protocol servicing a metropolitan area. As most business is already running Ethernet, connecting to one does not require an additional device to translate its communication protocol. This would also mean time is saved as no protocol translation during the data transmit and receive. As such Metro-e has the potential of optimising operations and efficiency of a network capacity. Metro-e can also offer a wide range of service in a simple, scalable, and flexible manner. The main advantage of the new TPMNet network is its resiliency and scalability. With this technology, businesses will be able to use Metro-e to connect to their branch offices like it was just in the next room. TPMNet Next Generation Network will operate on a dual ring Metro-e fiber backbone at a speed of 10Gbps x 2 to the distribution backbone. Each ring is a 12-core single mode fiber and will be servicing an area of 250-acre of TPM land. Total fiber cable length is estimated to be 25 km linking all the 13 buildings and tenants on the park. This would mean all tenants would have access to the TPMNet NGN Metro-e and eventually the world.

With the new Next Generation Network, TPMNet is capable of providing triple play services from a single wired connection provided at each tenants’ premises. Tenants will be able to do video conferencing, access connection to highspeed Internet and IP telephony service right from the TPMNet connection port. Subscription of Internet through TPMNet does not only mean a high-speed connection but also redundancy to multiple Internet Carriers at a competitive price.

The new infrastructure will also be equipped with Tier-3 Data Centre facility with MPLS Layer 2 connection to customers’ premises. By locating the servers at theTPMNet Data Centre, TPM tenants can now enjoy local LAN highspeed connection from their office.

For further infomation: aminuddin@tpm.com.my