PortMaster 3 Integrated Access Server
Product Announcement
The PortMaster 3 is a versatile WAN access switch which integrates router, communications server, and True Digital
modems in a single, compact, 3.5" rack-mountable chassis. It affords Internet Service Providers (ISPs) with a migration path
from today's analog service to the most advanced digital (modem or ISDN) service using evolutionary third generation
hardware technology and the internet proven ComOS. Its hardware design consolidates True Digital modems,
ISDN, Frame Relay and synchronous leased line service and accommodates future growth by providing distributed
processing, flash 0 modem technology and a slot for optional data compression and encryption card.
The PortMaster 3 offers one or two PRI (T1/E1) ports with integrated CSUs, six expansion slots for True Digital modem
cards, Ethernet (BNC, AUI, 10BaseT), and an asynchronous 115.2Kbps console port. The True Digital modem cards are
hot swappable and support either eight or ten 28.8 Kps (V.34) modems per card. The PortMaster 3 can support up to 48
(PRI/T1) or 60 (PRI/E1) modems via six rear panel expansion slots.
Applications
POP-In-A-Box
The PortMaster 3 is ideally suited for POP-in-a-box applications. ISPs can use the PortMaster 3 in distributed POPs where
integrating modems, ISDN, CSU, communications server and router technology is required. This ability reduces facility costs
by eliminating modem racks, cables and power supplies. It further reduces the cost of deployment by providing a unified
console for complete system management.
Large Central Site Access
The PortMaster 3 is also designed to fit in large central sites where high density is required. The PortMaster 3 is designed to
support multiple calls combined across multiple chassis allowing PortMaster 3s to be stacked in high density applications.
The PortMaster 3 can also be configured with a -48V DC power supply option for Telco applications.
Technology Highlights
WAN Switching
Due to ISDN PRI technology, a single WAN interface can be used for both analog and digital dial-in users. When a call
arrives at the PortMaster 3 via PRI service, digital switching technology is employed. If the call is ISDN, the PortMaster
switches the digital signal straight to the data bus for communications server processing. If the call is from a modem, the
PortMaster 3 switches the modems digital signal directly to a True Digital modem (DSP) for processing before being
transferred to the data bus.
True Digital Modems
True Digital modem technology means that the PortMaster 3 uses a DSP instead of an analog chip set (i.e. Rockwell or
AT&T) for modem communications. By doing so, the PortMaster 3 can process a V.34 encoded signal in native digital
format without needing to perform obsolete codec-based analog conversion. Processing modem calls digitally increases the
performance and reliability of connections, and provides the real-time modem management capabilities required by ISPs. True
Digital modems include flash memory for storing the modem code allowing an easy migration path to newer and faster modem
speeds and protocols without obsoleting your investment in modem hardware.
Distributed Processing Environment
The PortMaster 3 implements a distributed processing environment that allows migration to new features and capabilities
without sacrificing performance or requiring hardware upgrades. All HDLC and PPP processing is off-loaded from the main
CPU by True Digital Modems or other WAN processors. Optional data compression and encryption functions are also
off-loaded from the main CPU.
PortMaster 3 Highlights
Integrated WAN Access Switch
- Consolidates Analog, ISDN, Frame Relay and FT1/T1/E1 services into a single box
- Eliminates external modem racks, cables, power supplies
- Combines modem and ISDN on one phone number
- Space saver design uses only 3.5" in a standard rack
Digital Integration
- True Digital modem technology
- High performance
- Reliable modem connections
- Completely eliminates modem configuration
- Modem Pooling
- Low power consumption
- Low heat emissions
Scalability
- Distributed processing
- Multiple-chassis Multi-line load balancing
- Expansion slot for data compression & encryption
- OSPF
Management & Administration
- Single console for complete system management
- Hot swappable modem cards
- Automatic modem failure detection and busy-out
- Flash 0 (ComOS and modem code)
ComOS
- Proven reliability
- Common configuration with other Lucent products
- Lucent-invented RADIUS
- ChoiceNet filter management technology
- Firewall Filtering
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