The Marconi MSH‑64 is a powerful and modular SDH (Synchronous Digital Hierarchy) transport platform designed to serve in high-capacity transmission networks, typically positioned at the metro core, long-haul backbone, or large aggregation points. As one of the flagship models in Marconi’s MSH series, the MSH‑64 was engineered to handle very high volumes of synchronous traffic, supporting multiple STM‑1, STM‑4, and STM‑16 interfaces, with cross-connect capabilities at both VC‑12 and VC‑4 levels.
The platform provides scalable optical transport and grooming capabilities, allowing operators to efficiently consolidate traffic from multiple sites, deliver leased-line services, and support regional or national SDH rings. With its ability to integrate tributary signals from lower-order multiplexers and groom them across higher-capacity trunks, the MSH‑64 became a backbone component in telecom networks across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and South America.
Designed for mission-critical environments, the MSH‑64 supports high-availability features such as redundant controller and cross-connect cards, hot-swappable modules, and comprehensive protection switching options. Even as modern networks have shifted toward packet-based transport, many service providers still rely on the MSH‑64 to maintain legacy service continuity and meet contractual SLAs for voice and circuit-switched services.
Carritech helps operators extend the lifecycle of their MSH‑64 systems by sourcing tested and verified hardware components—ranging from base shelves and controller units to line cards and optical modules. Our expertise ensures that legacy SDH infrastructures continue to operate efficiently, whether in hybrid environments or in dedicated synchronous networks still in active service.
High-Capacity SDH Transport: Supports a wide range of optical transmission rates including STM‑1 (155 Mbps), STM‑4 (622 Mbps), and STM‑16 (2.5 Gbps), enabling high-volume traffic consolidation and backbone connectivity.
Flexible Cross-Connect Architecture: Offers full VC‑12 and VC‑4 non-blocking cross-connect capabilities, allowing fine-grained grooming and switching of synchronous payloads across a broad service matrix.
Redundancy and High Availability: Equipped with dual power feeds, redundant cross-connect matrices, and controller cards, the MSH‑64 ensures uninterrupted service even during component failures or maintenance procedures.
Modular Design: Chassis supports a variety of plug-in modules for E1, T1, STM‑x interfaces, and management processors, allowing tailored configurations for specific deployment scenarios.
Standards-Based Compatibility: Fully compliant with ITU-T SDH standards, enabling seamless interoperation with other Marconi or third-party SDH equipment in multi-vendor environments.
Advanced Protection Schemes: Supports a full suite of SDH protection protocols including SNCP (Sub Network Connection Protection), MSP (Multiplex Section Protection), and linear and ring topologies.
Integrated Management Support: Designed for use with Marconi’s legacy network management systems, with both local craft access and remote monitoring capabilities via SNMP or TL1 protocols.
Long-Term Deployability: Its robust construction and high MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures) make the MSH‑64 an ideal choice for long-term SDH deployment in national infrastructure.
Chassis & Form Factor:
Modular rack-mounted shelf, typically 9U in height
Supports installation in ETSI or 19-inch telecom racks
Passive backplane with front-loading modules
Transmission Interfaces:
Multiple STM‑1, STM‑4, and STM‑16 optical ports
Modules available for electrical STM‑1 or legacy interfaces
Optical wavelengths at 1310 nm and 1550 nm depending on span distance
Tributary Interfaces:
High-density E1 support (up to several hundred ports per system depending on configuration)
Optional support for PDH, T1, or subrate services through dedicated plug-in cards
Cross-Connect Capacity:
Full VC‑12 and VC‑4 switching
Non-blocking matrix with scaling capacity for thousands of simultaneous connections
Protection & Redundancy:
Dual power inputs
Redundant matrix switch fabric
Hot-swappable fan trays, controller units, and interface modules
Power Supply:
Standard telecom -48 VDC operation
Nominal input with optional dual-feed for redundancy
Cooling:
Active fan cooling, typically front-to-back airflow
Monitored for fault detection and thermal alerts
Operating Conditions:
Operating temperature: 0°C to +45°C
Relative humidity: Up to 95% non-condensing
Designed for indoor central office and exchange environments
Management Interfaces:
Local craft terminal access
Remote management via SNMP and TL1
Integrated with Marconi OMS or SMA network management systems
Standards & Compliance:
ITU-T G.707/G.783/G.803 compliant
ETSI mechanical standards
CE and Telcordia certified
| Time Period | Brand / Company | Role / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Early 2000s – 2006 | Marconi Communications / Marconi Corporation plc | Designed and marketed as a flagship SDH transport and switching node for metro and long-haul carrier networks. |
| 2006 – Present | Ericsson (legacy support only) | Ericsson inherited the MSH‑64 product line after acquiring Marconi’s telecom division, but phased out active development. Support continued under long-term contracts for large service providers. |
| Present (Secondary Market) | Independent Resellers & Support Specialists (e.g., Carritech) | Carritech provides refurbished MSH‑64 hardware, tested modules, and technical guidance to extend the usable life of existing SDH networks where modernisation may not yet be feasible. |
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From expert maintenance and repair to reliable part sourcing and technical consultation, we provide comprehensive support for every stage of your network’s lifecycle. Whether you’re extending the life of legacy systems or integrating with modern infrastructure, our team ensures seamless, efficient, and cost-effective solutions—so you can focus on performance, not problems.