The TRIO architecture alternative requires more fiber and fiber terminations in order to dedicate an individual fiber to each TRIO module. This is the situation where normal separate operation gives way to unified traffic as if the designed system had failed on one channel and defaulted to all traffic on a single fiber plant. This items was reviewed in terms of numbers of sectors that could be accomodated in a single switch based on the traffic capability of the switch, the length of fiber supported at GB speeds, and reliability. A network of equivalent reliability would have fewer more reliable switches, which turns out to be just about the same cost. While most of this is savable, a more careful examination of the cost of the actual crate profiles based on the detailed optical decks and equipment profiles is needed to get the correct crate count and cost.
Timing is required in a third of the crates and needs to be analyzed and costed separately.
This will be investigated in areas where future system growth is unlikely. Ray requested that we schedule another review of the crateless configuration that was discussed last year. This configuration minimized backplane connectors and plug and cable connections for reliability and cost savings. This analysis is contained in the Architecture on-line cost book, along with a list of assumptions and goals which were elements of the exercise. Prepare detailed cost analysis of IOC type, quantity, and configuration.