As a carrier class system, the DNX enables port concentration of access lines destined for service delivery platforms such as Frame Relay switches, ATM switches Internet gateways and Class 4/5 switches. Competitive advantage benefits are derived from directing traffic to the individual service platforms while preserving their precious resources. These benefits, combined with its small footprint, economics, service availability, and operational simplicity in all facets of carrier ownership, make the DNX a essential element in a service providers build-out strategy.

As an Access Concentrator the DNX enables deployment of multiple service offerings on dense interface packs. At the same time it can pre-groom traffic, alleviating this functionality at regional offices, to efficiently use backhaul bandwidth on a broadband media like DS-3, STS-1 and OC-3.

Network operation managers, engineers and technicians will find versatility and ease of administration inherent to the DNX management architecture. The System Manager module provides several methods for communicating with and controlling the DNX systems. The intuitive VT100 terminal interface offers direct or remote connectivity. Remote connections to the System Manager can be made using the internal modem or by TELNET via the 10 Base T port provided. When network management strategies require Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP), the embedded SNMP agent provides access to all of the features and functions of the DNX. This simple, yet elegant, approach to standards based management, simplifies integration of the DNX into any network operations methodology.

The DNX includes additional key network management features such as circuit and connection naming within the operating system of every node. There is no need to cross-reference multiple circuit records when provisioning or trouble shooting - the DNX provides all of the pertinent circuit information. Each DNX can store up to five circuit maps which can be activated from the System Manager manually or based on user-defined time-of-day events. Such a scheme facilitates graceful network reconfigurations, and service adds or drops.

Diagnostics: Remote network managers can utilize the DNX Test Access feature, redirecting the source or destination of any connection to the designated DNX test port. Connection to the test port allows network managers to perform comprehensive diagnostics and then reconnect traffic with a single keystroke command using SNMP or the VT100 interface, locally or via a TELNET connection.

Embedded testing capabilities include built-in BERT and loopbacks on all T1, E1, STS-1, DS-3 and data channels. All WAN modules provide the full complement of performance and event registers as well. Events are logged, dated and time stamped for easy reference. Testing circuits, isolating problems or obtaining performance data, locally or remotely, is simple using the DNX's extensive diagnostic and reporting capabilities.

Redundancy and Disaster Recovery: Reliability, resiliency and the protection of full redundancy provides increased assurance to network operators. The DNX-11 can be equipped with dual load-sharing power supplies; each capable of assuming full capacity should one supply fail. The redundancy can be implemented with two AC supplies, or DC supplies, each having independent feeds for added protection. Power supplies are monitored and provide alarming in the event of a failure.

Application modules interface with the System Manager modules by means of twin communication busses on the DNX midplane. Utilizing redundant paths to control modules within the DNX nest is another way to ensure that access to system modules and interfaces is available when needed. Each DNX can store up to five circuit maps. These maps can be activated from the System Manager manually or based on user defined time-of-day or events. This feature enables rerouting of traffic around a faild link or allocating bandwidth for applications like video conferencing.