M-PATH™ T1

The M-PATH™ T1 CSU (Channel Service Unit) saves money by minimizing on-site visits, and proactively prevents network downtime.

PCS providers have unique access equipment needs

Kentrox understands these needs and created the M-PATH T1 CSU specifically for rapid PCS network deployment.

The M-PATH CSU is ideal for installation in the rugged, compact environment of outdoor cabinets. It operates at an extended temperature range and utilizes minimal space. The M-PATH also has DC power options that take advantage of the power sources available in base stations and MSCs.

To control costs and improve management efficiency, PCS providers are planning base station-to-technician ratios of 20:1 to 50:1, making remote management and monitoring of network problems essential. With the M-PATH’s in-band management, you can remotely determine port status, set loopbacks, change configuration settings and run performance reports. If an on-site visit is still required, you can gather diagnostic information up front, enabling the technician to more quickly solve problems.

Rapid Installation and Configuration

PCS networks involve the roll-out of hundreds of base stations in a short period of time. To serve this rapid growth, you can stage and terminate T1 circuits quickly and easily with the DataSMART Installer, included with every M-PATH CSU. With DataSMART Installer, you can configure all pertinent setup options from a laptop or desktop Windows PC. Standard configurations may be stored to disk and loaded to any number of M-PATH CSUs. When the T1 link is up and running, you can modify the configuration via in-band communications to the base station from anywhere in your network.

For high-density CSU sites, the M-PATH CSU 538 card with auto-configuration can significantly accelerate T1 deployment. While functioning as a CSU, the M-PATH shelf controller card can also configure subsequent M-PATH CSU cards as they are added to the shelf.

For on-site installation and troubleshooting, front-panel LEDs help the technician diagnose network problems quickly. Additionally, a front-panel T1 loop-up test switch can assist in getting the network connection operational.

Environment Advantages

Kentrox designed the M-PATH CSU especially for the space limitations of remote cabinets. Providers can install up to two M-PATH plug-in CSUs in a single rack-unit Kentrox Universal Shelf. Or for higher-density sites, the 12-slot Universal Shelf occupies only four rack units of space.

For the harsh conditions in base stations, the M-PATH has been hardened to operate in a wider temperature range, withstanding the swings between day and night time temperatures, as well as seasonal changes.

Remote base stations often have specific power requirements. No special power converters are required with the M-PATH CSU. The Universal Shelf supports both 24 and 48 DC volt input. The 12-slot version also includes dual DC-power inputs for the main supply and the battery back-up, providing increased reliability.

Proactive In-band Management

The M-PATH CSU maintains comprehensive T1 performance information. You can periodically collect this data to analyze the quality of your T1 links. Service-affecting problems can be predicted before they occur. Timely preventive maintenance helps you save revenue lost in downtime, and improves network reliability.

The M-PATH CSU includes an embedded SNMP agent, as well as Telnet and enhanced security. Kentrox provides the M-PATH MIBs in standard ANS.1 format, which can be compiled by any common management application program.

The SNMP agent can be accessed via in-band communications over the T1 link. Management traffic is transported over the ESF FDL, via an assigned DS0, or via 8 kbps of one data channel.

Additionally, if an installed unit requires a software update of the operating system, you can download new software in-band over the designated DS0. The M-PATH continues to operate through the download, with only minimal downtime during system reboot.

Data Port for Added Functionality

The M-PATH T1 CSU includes a data port for greater flexibility in planning base station design. The data port can support messaging equipment traffic, which can then be integrated with the voice traffic onto a single T1 line. The data port can also transport management traffic for other base station equipment to the network operations center.

Kentrox Wireless Solutions

The M-PATH T1 CSU is complemented by the Kentrox CrossPATHTM T1 Mini-DCS, also designed specifically for the wireless market. With four T1 interfaces and two V.35 data ports, the CrossPATH concentrates and grooms T1/FT1 circuits from remote base stations for backhaul to the MSC, saving T1 facilities costs.

Designed with all the same environmental advantages and management capabilities as the M-PATH CSU, the CrossPATH Mini-DCS can be combined with the M-PATH to create a rugged PCS network with end-to-end in-band management.