SHARED, MULTIMEDIA STORAGE AND
STREAMING SERVICES OVER ATM

The V-Cache is an ATM-attached, shared, multimedia cache that supports streaming services over an ATM network. Using this innovative storage and streaming solution, you can offload large multimedia files from your LAN to an ATM network, significantly improving network performance. In addition, you'll gain the many benefits of ATM for high-quality record and playback of audio, video, and images in any format.

Accessible by Windows Clients; Managed by LAN Servers

The V-Cache incorporates FVC's MOS (Media Operating Software) file services, enabling it to appear as a network drive on the Windows platform. It is compatible with PC-based LAN servers, allowing you to leverage print, security, and browse features to store and retrieve multimedia over ATM.

FEATURES AND BENEFITS

Shared, Real-Time Multimedia Storage Cache and Streaming Services for Any Kind of Traffic. Provides shared, real-time storage and streaming services across an ATM network for data in any format including high-bandwidth video formats such as MPEG-1, MPEG-2, and AVI.
Windows Compatible. Appears as a network drive on the Windows platform, allowing transparent playback and record of multimedia files in a Windows environment.
LAN Compatibility. Compatible with PC-based LAN servers like Novell NetWare, Windows 95, Windows for Workgroups, and Lotus Notes, allowing you to leverage file and browsing features while storing content on the V-Cache.
Manageable by World-Wide Web Servers and Browsers. Integrates seamlessly with the World-Wide Web as a local cache, making the Internet multimedia-capable. Simultaneous users can share access to the cache for speedy playback of audio/video clips from within a Web browser.
Simultaneous Access to Multimedia Files. Multiple Windows users can access video or any files stored on the V-Cache while simultaneously accessing other file servers on the LAN.
ATM Classes of Service. Uses FVC's MOS to provide guaranteed quality for multiple classes of service (e.g., MPEG) through native ATM streaming.
Supports UNI Signaling. Supports ATM Forum User-to-Network Interface (UNI) signaling, allowing the V-Cache to interconnect with other ATM Forum-compliant devices.

How it Works

The V-Cache works as a satellite storage server for Windows clients, functioning on the principle of delegation of effort, not duplication of functionality. Content is stored on the V-Cache while file management and browsing capabilities reside on a conventional LAN server. Security is not enforced at the file system level, but rather by exporting file systems to particular machines with password protection. No changes are required to the underlying file system.

MOS Engine

The V-Cache incorporates First Virtual's MOS (Media Operating Software) to meet the real-time requirements of streaming data. Using sophisticated caching and real-time file system technology, MOS permits continuous data reads on consecutive disk blocks, maximizing the V-Cache throughput. This keeps data ready for processing, thus guaranteeing on-time data delivery and relieving deadline pressure on multimedia applications.

STREAMING CAPABILITIES

For scalability in network configuration and streaming capacity, the V-Cache comes in different form factors, including a compact desktop tower (VCH-2000) and 19" rack-mountable unit (VCH-0300).

The Model VCH-0300 stores 3 hours of MPEG-1 video and supports five simultaneous MPEG-1 streams (1.2 Mbps), making it an ideal solution for demo environments and branch offices. The Model VCH-2000 stores 20 hours of MPEG-1 video and supports 25 simultaneous MPEG-1 streams for corporate multimedia caching.

Modular Configurations

Custom configurations are available for caching hundreds of hours of multimedia with an increased streaming capacity.

ORDERING INFORMATION*

VCH-2000 (formerly MSS/20): ATM-attached Video Cache (20 hours of MPEG-1, 25 read streams or three write streams)
VCH-0300: ATM-attached Video Cache (3 hours of MPEG-1, five read streams or one write stream)

*Custom sizes available

PHYSICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Dimensions :
VCH-2000: 7.5" W x 12.5" L x 12.5" H
VCH-0300: 17-1/2"W x 18"D x 7"H
Weight: 30 lb.
VCH-2000: 30 lbs
VCH-0300: 15 lbs
Power Requirements: 100 - 240 VAC input voltage, 50-60 Hz input frequency, 140 watts power supply rating
Indicators: Front panel color LEDs indicate network activity, power supply status, and fan status. Internal hard disk drive LEDs indicate drive activity.
Ports and Connectors: One 155 Mbps OC-3 multimode fiber SC-duplex port, one RJ-45 serial port
Security: Disk drive door lock prevents unauthorized access to power switch and hard drive(s).
Maximum Cable Length: Two kilometers from the V-Switch
Operating Temperature: 5 degrees C to 45 degrees C
Storage Temperature: -40 degrees C to +60 degrees C
Relative Humidity: 5% to 95%, non-condensing
Altitude: -200 to 10,000 feet