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DarkStar User Guide
1: Introduction
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1.4 Key Benefits
1.4.1 Network & System
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Ease of Deployment:
DarkStar networks are delivered pre-configured for operation based upon requirements and site
installation details provided by the customer, thereby facilitating and streamlining system deployment and network
operation.
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Seamless Management:
DarkStar products share hardware and software design elements, such as chassis design and
software commands. The information provided in this guide can be used to manage all systems in a DarkStar network.
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Latency:
DarkStar networks offer low-latency performance for use in the most demanding, business-critical applications.
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Integrated System:
Integrated components and flexible system design make DarkStar networks easier to manage than
traditional line-card or cage-based solutions.
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Hitless Upgrades:
In many cases DarkStar networks support hitless failover and upgrades, although in select cases traffic
interruption may be measured in milliseconds.
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Redundant Transmission:
The inclusion of redundant optical networking systems with Automatic Path Protection (APP)
in a DarkStar network may provide complete system failover.
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Scalability:
Using a DBC (for up to 40 channels) or a DMD (for up to 96 channels), the bandwidth of up to four optical
networking systems can be combined to achieve total throughput of up to 960Gbps.
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Extended Transmission Distances:
The inclusion of amplifiers in a DarkStar network may provide total transmission
distances of up to 2000km.
1.4.2 Hardware
DarkStar hardware features include:
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Low Power Consumption:
Every system in the DarkStar family is rated at 64-125W typical.
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Rackspace Efficiency:
Each system in the DarkStar family occupies only 1U of space in a standard equipment rack.
Comparable equipment from other manufacturers often occupies 8U of space or more per device.
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Redundant Cooling:
By default, all powered DarkStar products include dual, hot-swappable fan modules.
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Redundant Power:
By default, all powered DarkStar products include dual, hot-swappable power supplies.
1.4.3 Software
Key features of DXMOS, the operating system of DarkStar products, include:
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Intuitive Interface:
As opposed to most fiber-optic systems, which require knowledge of proprietary commands and
advanced optical-engineering concepts, DarkStar systems offer router-like operation through an intuitive command-line
interface familiar to any network administrator.
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Field-Upgradeable
: DarkStar operating system and gateware can be upgraded in the field.
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Field-Configurable:
Amplifiers and other systems can be configured in the field.
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Installer:
An installer is provided to turn software updating into a seamless task.
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Flash File System:
An integrated flash file system facilitates data management: easy access, backups, simplified naming
conventions, and the ability to boot any image, among other features. Files may be copied, uploaded, downloaded, and
check-summed to ensure operational integrity.
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Remote Management:
DarkStar systems can be accessed from anywhere, whether in a rack on the other side of the room
