The Alcatel 1660 SM (Synchronous Multiplexer) is a high‑capacity STM‑64 Optical Multi‑Service Provisioning Platform (MSPP), engineered for metro and regional networks demanding both reliability and scalability. This single‑shelf solution integrates advanced SDH transport features such as full non‑blocking cross‑connect and CWDM add/drop, enabling seamless delivery of high‑speed TDM and optical services over a future‑proof packet‑based infrastructure.
At its core, the 1660 SM offers robust Layer 2 packet and cell switching capabilities via integrated modules supporting Ethernet, MPLS, resilient packet ring (RPR), ATM, and storage‑oriented interfaces (such as Fibre Channel, FICON, ESCON). This makes it particularly well‑suited for delivering triple‑play, Ethernet VPN (MEF‑compliant), mobile backhaul, and enterprise connectivity services within a unified platform.
The platform features a fully redundant SDH switching matrix with an impressive throughput of up to 60 Gb/s for high‑order traffic (384×STM‑1 equivalent) and 40 Gb/s for low‑order grooming (256×STM‑1 equivalent). It supports up to four STM‑64 interfaces for 10 Gb/s ring interconnections or MSP 1+1 protection configurations. The architecture also supports colored STM‑16 interfaces for seamless DWDM system integration.
Scalability is a standout feature: plug‑in modules support flexible combinations of interfaces, including hundreds of Ethernet ports (10/100 Mb and GigE), multiple PDH rates (E1, E3/DS3), and specialized connectivity like V.35, FDDI, Fibre Channel, ESCON, and FICON. ISA blades offer layered packet switching, while the 4×Any interface expands support to storage, video, and virtualization traffic types.
Built for high reliability, the 1660 SM implements carrier-grade protection schemes including MSP, SNCP with drop‑and‑continue functionality, and inherently redundant power and control architecture. Each card contains its own DC/DC conversion, enhancing fault isolation. Synchronization via SSM ensures precise clock coordination across the network.
With its integrated packet transport capabilities, the platform supports GMPLS, Ethernet Ring Protection (ERP), MPLS‑based RPR, and advanced QoS/ SLA enforcement mechanisms such as GFP, VCAT, LCAS, VLAN/Q‑in‑Q, and traffic policing. These packet services are managed in harmony with SDH transport, offering operators flexible service differentiation and optimized bandwidth usage.
In addition to its technical strengths, Carritech supports the Alcatel 1660 SM with supply of new and refurbished parts, expert repairs, and dependable technical assistance. Their global stock and engineering expertise help enterprises extend the operational life of installed platforms while simplifying network maintenance Carritech.
High-Capacity SDH Transport
Supports up to four STM-64 (10 Gbps) optical interfaces, with full non-blocking cross-connect capabilities for STM-1 to STM-64 levels.
Integrated Packet Capabilities
Includes native support for Ethernet, MPLS, RPR, and ATM, allowing seamless convergence of TDM and data services within a single platform.
Modular and Scalable Architecture
Slot-based design with flexible module options supports hundreds of E1/T1, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, and storage interfaces including Fibre Channel, ESCON, and FICON.
Advanced Cross-Connect Functionality
High-order matrix capacity of 60 Gbps and low-order grooming up to 40 Gbps, enabling granular traffic management and efficient service delivery.
Carrier-Grade Protection Mechanisms
Built-in support for MSP 1+1, SNCP, and ring protection ensures continuous service availability and rapid fault recovery.
DWDM Compatibility
Native support for colored STM-16 interfaces allows direct integration with DWDM systems without additional equipment.
Robust Synchronization
Full SSM (Synchronization Status Messaging) compliance and support for internal and external clock sources ensure precise network timing.
Service-Aware Packet Transport
Supports GFP, VCAT, LCAS, VLAN tagging, Q-in-Q, and traffic shaping to deliver differentiated packet-based services over SDH.
Redundant Architecture
Dual power inputs, redundant controllers, and per-card DC/DC isolation enhance system reliability and uptime.
Centralized Management
Managed via Alcatel-Lucent 1350 OMS with SNMP and CLI access for comprehensive provisioning, monitoring, and diagnostics.
Long-Term Support by Carritech
Fully backed by Carritech’s global support services, including spare parts, repairs, and expert guidance to extend the life of the platform.
The Alcatel 1660 SM is a high-capacity Synchronous Digital Hierarchy (SDH) multiplexer designed to support core, metro, and regional transport applications. It offers transmission rates from STM-1 (155 Mbps) up to STM-64 (10 Gbps), with fully non-blocking cross-connect capabilities. The system can be configured with up to four STM-64 interfaces for high-speed optical ring or mesh topologies and supports both 1+1 MSP and ring protection schemes for maximum resiliency.
Its powerful internal cross-connect matrix handles up to 60 Gbps of high-order traffic (VC-4 level) and 40 Gbps of low-order grooming (VC-12/VC-3), enabling flexible service aggregation and bandwidth optimisation. The modular chassis allows operators to mix and match interface cards to suit evolving network needs, with support for PDH interfaces (E1, T1, E3, DS3), Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, V.35, G.703, FDDI, Fibre Channel, ESCON, and FICON.
In addition to traditional TDM transport, the 1660 SM supports advanced packet-based services through integrated switching and Layer 2 capabilities. It enables delivery of Ethernet and MPLS-based services using technologies such as GFP (Generic Framing Procedure), VCAT (Virtual Concatenation), and LCAS (Link Capacity Adjustment Scheme). The platform also includes features like VLAN tagging, Q-in-Q, and traffic policing for advanced Quality of Service (QoS) and SLA enforcement.
Power is supplied via dual redundant -48V DC inputs, with each module including isolated DC/DC conversion for increased reliability and fault isolation. The system is designed for standard 19” or 23” racks, with passive cooling and extended temperature support for deployment in a range of controlled environments.
Management and configuration are handled via the Alcatel-Lucent 1350 Optical Management System (OMS), which offers SNMP and CLI access for remote provisioning, performance monitoring, and firmware upgrades. The platform supports SSM (Synchronization Status Messaging) for maintaining accurate network timing and allows for seamless integration into broader Alcatel-Lucent optical and DWDM systems.
| Period | Owner / Marketer | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Late 2000s – 2006 | Alcatel | Developed and launched as part of Alcatel’s Optical Multi‑Service Node (OMSN) family, providing STM‑64 multiservice provisioning including SDH cross‑connect, CWDM add/drop, Ethernet, MPLS, ATM and RPR support. |
| 2006 – 2016 | Alcatel‑Lucent | Continued marketing and support after the 2006 merger with Lucent; the 1660 SM remained a flagship STM‑64 MSPP for metro/regional networks under Alcatel‑Lucent. |
| 2016 – Present | Nokia | Following Nokia’s acquisition of Alcatel‑Lucent in 2016, the 1660 SM entered Nokia’s legacy product portfolio; documentation, spares, and support continued under Nokia branding. |
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