OnTime Networks, a global leader for rugged, time synchronized Ethernet solutions for the Aerospace and Defense Industry, announced today the expansion of its airborne-grade Gigabit Ethernet product portfolio with the new Cloudberry CM-4004F0-ITAP AERO Series.

The OnTime Networks Cloudberry CM-4004F0-ITAP-AERO is an airborne rugged non-intrusive four port inline Gigabit Ethernet network tap with filtering capabilities, providing a way to access data flowing across Onboard Network Systems (ONS) between two points.

Markus Schmitz, Managing Director of OnTime Networks in the U.S., stated "We are excited about adding the new Cloudberry CM-4004F0-ITAP-AERO airborne rugged inline Gigabit Ethernet network tap to our product portfolio and the new capabilities it offers to the industry. Schmitz continued, "As ONS carry critical data, it is essential that airborne network tap devices offer a back-up (failure) mode in case of power loss or unit failure, to ensure connectivity between the two ONS nodes. This has been achieved with a bypass relay function and the introduction of a smart Build-In test (BIT) logic to monitor the boot process and continuous operation. The unit is optimized for Size, Weight, and Power (SWAP) constraints and is able to withstand extreme temperatures, shock, vibration, humidity, dust, sand, water, and electronic interference."

Pål-Jørgen Kyllesø, CTO of OnTime Networks further commented, "Unlike a network switch with mirroring capability, the CM-4004 is a true in-line network tap which eliminates the risk of dropping packets due to congestion on the mirroring ports. Network taps have been available for the commercial and industrial market for years, but there have been few, if any, truly rugged alternatives available." 

About CM-4004F0-ITAP-AERO Series

The OnTime Networks Cloudberry CM-4004F0-ITAP-AERO is an airborne rugged non-intrusive four port inline Gigabit Ethernet network tap with filtering capabilities, providing a way to access data flowing across Onboard Network Systems (ONS) between two points. The CM-4004F0-ITAP-AERO has four ports: J1, J2 and the two monitor ports J3 and J4 of which one can be used for management. The Tap mirrors uplink and downlink data to the monitoring ports. The device further provides filtering capabilities, in order to selectively pass data, based on VLAN ID to the monitoring ports for monitoring, analysis, processing and recording purposes.

The very small design with less than two pounds in weight, a 10 Watts typical power consumption and MIL circular connectors, makes the unit well suited for low size/weight applications where electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) is important. The unit is designed to meet the environmental requirements of RTCA/DO-160 and MIL-STD 810G as well as the EMI/EMC requirements (Conducted & Radiated Emissions & Susceptibility) of MIL-STD 461F, MIL-STD-704F and 1275E. The extended temperature operation from -40 to +71C, resistance to high shock/vibration, humidity, altitude, and dust/water ingress makes the CM-4004F0-ITAP-AERO.

The CM-4004F0-ITAP-AERO inline tap is transparent for monitoring critical links and provides network data flow also in case of:

• No power on the CM-4000 network tap

• Any malfunctions on the CM-4000 network tap

This is achieved by incorporating an advanced relay subsystem between the pair of network ports, enabling transmission of network communications signals during power loss or unit failure. There will be a short transition period when the link goes down and is re-established. During this short period there will be loss of data.

The CM-4004F0-ITAP-AERO series offer management based on HTTP. The tap is designed for aircraft environments with a wide operating temperature range. The CM-4004F0-AERO series is configured with five connectors: power input (J5) and 4 x 10/100/1000BASE-TX Ethernet ports (J1-J4). Ruggedized military approved connectors are used for both the Ethernet ports and the power connector.