Mission LAN Switch

Based on the card set from a 3Com Switch 4070, the Mission LAN Switch (MLS) was developed by General Dynamics Canada to be used as the central backbone of the fiber-optic Local Area Network in the NATO AWACS aircraft. In this application, the MLS provides switching of all high-speed Ethernet data communications between 14 Situation Display Consoles, 2 Multi-Sensor Integration Computers, a Mission Data Recorder; and 2 Airborne Mission Computers.

Features

The MLS is designed for the harsh environments existing in military aircraft or severe civilian applications such as offshore oil rigs and ships. Its modular power supply architecture allows the unit to be configured for different AC or DC power sources.

The MLS is a wire-speed, Gigabit Ethernet Switch with 24, full duplex, GbE port capabilities, making it ideal for any high-volume network. Its high-capacity bandwidth and control features prevent network bottlenecks with existing Network Elements, and will accommodate future improvements in device speed. Multicast, flow control and priority queuing features support video, voice and real-time applications.

The MLS can be configured with any combination of 1000Base-SX and 1000Base LX Small Form-factor Pluggable (SFP) transceiver modules, to support short or long haul connections.

The MLS supports network management via an internal Management Console available through a 19,200 baud RS-232 port, or any of the Gbe ports. The Network can easily be configured and monitored through the console, and the configuration can be backed up. The MLS also supports Simple Network Management Protocols for Remote Monitoring and Trap reporting.

The unit has been designed to minimize cooling air requirements. Internal temperatures are monitored, and visual indications and warning messages of any overtemperature conditions are provided.

Specifications

• Accommodates 24 industry-standard SFP transceiver modules with duplex LC fiber-optic cable connector, or RJ-45 Cat. 5 wire connector
• Switching Capacity: 51.2 Gbps
• Frame Rate 41.7 Mpps (1500 bytes/packet)
• Non-blocking Architecture
• MAC Addresses: up to 32,000
• Supports Broadcast and Multicast messaging
• Supports up to 128 Virtual LANs
• Supports Class of Service prioritization
• All control and connections are available from the front panel

Physical

• Standard 19" EIA rack mounting, 18" deep, 6U (10.5") high
• Weight: 42 lbs
• Convection Cooled (designed for external draw-through or forced-air cooling)

Power

• Source:115 VAC, 3 Phase, 400 Hz
• Consumption: 100 Watts max
• Protection: Circuit Breaker/Switch, 1 A/phase
• Modular Power Supplies for alternate sources such as 115 VAC, Single Phase, and 12/24 VDC can be supplied

Environment

• Operating Temp: 0 - 38 ºC (with 18 CFM max convection cooling)
• Storage Temp: -40 to 71 ºC
• Altitude: 0 to 25,000 ft
• Meets Tailored MIL-STD-461 and 462 EMI requirements
• Call for shock, vibration, humidity, etc