Universal Linecards provide a new approach to building telecommunication systems that saves cost while also enabling differentiation and responsiveness.

What is a Universal Linecard?

A Universal Linecard is a multi-function linecard that is designed and manufactured once, but can support many variations in features supported. Instead of making several "fixed" linecards that are focused on providing one feature set for one application, a universal linecard is flexible allowing it to support several feature sets for several applications.

How does it work?

The secret to universal linecards is the ability to apply several different feature sets to the same linecard. This is made possible using chip solutions similar to TPACK's, which are based on programmable logic. The feature set is defined in a software "image" file, which is downloaded to the linecards on-board memory. When power is applied to the linecard, the image is loaded from on-board memory into the programmable chip.

If a different feature set needs to be supported, a different image file is downloaded to the linecard and programmable chip. It's as simple as that!

What's the benefit of doing this?

The use of a universal linecard approach in system development means fewer linecards need to be designed, built and maintained. This provides cost benefits for the system developer. It also allows quick and easy introduction of competitive features and rapid response to carrier's custom requirements.

But, there are also benefits for the carrier using the systems. Fewer linecard variants means fewer spares, less inventory management and quicker and easier introduction of new services. It also means lower risk should there be a bug in the feature set or should customer requirements change.

For a full overview of the cost benefits, see the following business case:

 Rationalize System Design with Universal Linecards

What kind of solutions are possible?

Examples of solutions that could be implemented are:

• A linecard that can support different interfaces, such as a 10 Gbps Ethernet, SONET/SDH or OTN
• A linecard that can support Carrier Ethernet switching in one instance and mapping to SONET/SDH or OTN in another instance
• A linecard that could allow variants of Carrier Ethernet protocols, for example a PBB-TE card, MPLS-TP card, PBB+VPLS card or a combination of all three
• The ability to support various carrier specific variants, such as national protocols, proprietary interfaces, legacy interfaces etc.

The bottom line

A universal linecard approach provides an alternative to the "superset" approach to chip and system development prevalent today. Instead of defining a superset of features based on all carriers (and vendors in the case of chip development) needs and then building large chips and systems that can provide all of these features, a universal linecard allows:

• a smaller feature set to be introduced using less real-estate, less complexity, less power and lower cost;
• features to be introduced gradually based on real need;
• individual carrier needs to be addressed on a case-by-case basis

Because of this, a solution can be introduced quicker based on a more general feature set with the promise of rapid adaptation as carrier needs arise.

What does TPACK bring to the table?

TPACK can provide Carrier Ethernet and Packet Transport chip solutions that can empower and accelerate system development based on unversal linecards. TPACK does not provide the linecards themselves, which need to be designed by system vendors according to their platform needs. However, by taking advantage of the proven and field-tested portfolio of solutions available from TPACK and by relying on TPACK's renowned responsivenes in providing right-first time solutions and adaptations, system vendors can greatly accelerate their time-to-market, increase their responsiveness and enjoy the many cost benefits that unviersal linecards provide.