About This Publication

This publication provides an overview of the operation of the BPX, IGX, IPX and associated equipment.

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What's in This Publication?

This publication is organized as follows:

PART 1, OVERVIEW
Chapter 1	Strategic Wide Area ATM Networks Provides an introduction to the Strategic Wide Area ATM networking products including an overview of the IPX, IGX, BPX, AXIS, Access products, INS, and StrataSphere NMS
Chapter 2	BPX, IGX, and IPX Architecture Describes the nodes used to build cell-based Wide Area Networks: the broadband BPX, the multiband IGX, and the narrowband IPX.
Chapter 3	StrataSphere Network Management Describes the StrataView Plus NMS workstation advanced system applications and tools that provide integrated fault, performance, and configuration management functions unique to cell-based networks.
Chapter 4	Network Services Overview Provides an overview of the standard and optional network services (features) such as voice, data, ATM, and frame relay connections supported by networks utilizing BPX, IGX, and IPX nodes.
PART 2, NETWORKS
Chapter 5	Networking Architecture Describes various types of networks that may be implemented with the StrataCom cell relay network switches, the IPX, the IGX, the BPX, and associated equipment such as AXIS and FastPAD
Chapter 6	Tiered Networks Describes the IGX tiered networks and BPX tiered networks that provides the capability of adding interface shelves/feeders (non-routing nodes) to an IPX/IGX/BPX routing network.
Chapter 7	Network Maintenance Describes some of the tools provided for detecting and identifying network and/or equipment problems that are available to the network operator.
PART 3, NARROW AND BROADBAND TRUNKS
Chapter 8	ATM and Broadband Trunks Provided for users who wish to have an in-depth knowledge of the ATM and broadband trunks functions. It discusses ATM concepts and the various high-speed digital trunks that are used to carry ATM connections.
Chapter 9	FastPackets and Narrowband Trunks Provided for users who wish to have an in-depth knowledge of FastPackets and the narrowband digital trunks used to carry them.
PART 4, ATM AND FRAME RELAY CONNECTIONS
Chapter 10	ATM Connections Describes how ATM connection services are established over an ATM network by adding ATM and frame relay connections between ATM service interface ports in the network using ATM standard UNI 3.1 and Traffic Management 4.0. It describes BXM and ASI card operation and summarizes ATM connection parameter configuration.
Chapter 11	SVCs, ATM and Frame Relay Provides a summary of of switched virtual circuits with respect to the BPX Service Node and co-located Extended Services Processor. For additional information, refer to the BPX Service Node Extended Processor Installation and Operations document.
Chapter 12	Frame Relay Connections Provided for users who wish to have an in-depth knowledge of network frame relay connections and related functions and also describes the Port Concentrator Shelf (PCS) which extends the port capacity of an FRP on an IPX or of an FRM on an IGX from 4 high-speed ports to 44 low-speed ports.
Chapter 13	Frame Relay to ATM Network and Service Interworking Describes frame relay to ATM interworking which enables frame relay traffic to be connected across high-speed ATM trunks using ATM standard Network and Service Interworking.
PART 5, DATA AND VOICE CONNECTIONS
Chapter 14	Synchronous Data Connections Provided for users who wish to have an in-depth knowledge of IPX/IGX synchronous data connections and related functions. It describes the basic flow of information through the network for various data connection types. It also describes the data compression features, data clocking, and data channel conditioning available.
Chapter 15	Voice Connections Provided for users who wish to have an in-depth knowledge of the IPX/IGX voice connections and related functions. This chapter describes voice and signalling flow as well as digital processing topics such as voice compression, speech detection, modem detection, and echo cancelling.
PART 6, CONNECTION MANAGEMENT NOTES
Chapter 16	Connection Management Provided for users who wish to have an in-depth knowledge of the IPX connection management functions. It describes packet queuing and the various queue types. It also discusses circuit routing and rerouting, delay for various types of connections, and circuit bandwidth requirements and utilization.
PART 7, REFERENCE
Appendix A	Network Specifications Summarizes the network specifications.
Glossary

Conventions

This publication uses the following conventions to convey instructions and information.

Command descriptions use these conventions:

Commands and keywords are in boldface.
Arguments for which you supply values are in italics.
Elements in square brackets ([ ]) are optional.
Alternative but required keywords are grouped in braces ({ }) and are separated by vertical bars ( | ).

Examples use these conventions:

Terminal sessions and information the system displays are in screen font.
Information you enter is in boldface screen font.
Nonprinting characters, such as passwords, are in angle brackets (< >).
Default responses to system prompts are in square brackets ([ ]).

Note Means reader take note. Notes contain helpful suggestions or references to materials not contained in this manual.

Time Saver Means the described action saves time. You can save time by performing the action described in the paragraph.

Table of Contents