Nortel NTHW49AG 10 4-Port Gigabit Ethernet MS3 FP Card

The Nortel Networks NTHW49AG 10 is a 4-Port Gigabit Ethernet Functional Processor (FP) Card with MS3 designation, designed for the Nortel Passport MSS 15000 and MSS 20000 multiservice switching platforms. It provides four independent Gigabit Ethernet ports for high-speed IP and Ethernet packet processing in carrier-grade multiservice networks.This line interface module supports 10/100/1000 Mbps auto-sensing or fixed Gigabit Ethernet operation on each port. It performs wire-speed Layer 2/3 packet forwarding, classification, QoS enforcement, traffic shaping, and advanced filtering required for converged IP, voice, and data services. The card integrates directly with the Passport backplane and high-capacity fabric modules for non-blocking performance and system-wide traffic management.

The "MS3" variant indicates enhanced multiservice processing capabilities, including larger packet buffers, improved QoS mechanisms, and better support for IP/MPLS interworking compared to earlier revisions. Ports are equipped with SFP slots, allowing flexible media selection using 1000BASE-T copper SFPs or optical SFPs (1000BASE-SX, 1000BASE-LX, or 1000BASE-ZX).

For installation and maintenance, the NTHW49AG occupies a dedicated line card slot in the Passport MSS 15000/20000 chassis. It is a field-replaceable unit with robust backplane connectors. The card operates on standard -48 VDC telecom power and includes front-panel indicators for per-port link status, activity, speed, and module alarms. Proper airflow is required for thermal management in high-density deployments.

The module is engineered for carrier-class reliability in central office environments, complying with NEBS-level requirements for electromagnetic compatibility, thermal performance, and high availability. It supports redundant configurations and facilitates fault isolation through built-in diagnostics and system-level monitoring.

During operation, the NTHW49AG continuously monitors port statistics, link quality, and traffic parameters on all four ports, reporting alarms and performance data to the central control processor. Configuration, QoS policies, VLAN handling, and firmware updates are managed through the Passport Element Management System or CLI.

The Nortel Networks NTHW49AG 10 4-Port Gigabit Ethernet MS3 FP Card is intended for high-density Gigabit Ethernet aggregation and interworking in the Passport 15000/20000 platforms, enabling cost-effective IP/Ethernet connectivity for multiservice backbone, metro Ethernet, and enterprise WAN applications while maintaining full compatibility with the Nortel Passport architecture.