A comprehensive hardware reliability program for developing a carrier grade telecom product

Abstract

A design methodology was developed to balance the need of a telecom network equipment provider to quickly release products that meet carrier customers' requirements for demonstrated highly reliable network equipment and the customers need to have stable, reliable and inexpensive equipment. The reliability program value is confirmed through the creation of an accurate system availability model and, with its application, the resultant ten-fold decrease in system downtime. A process for the validating all assumptions and conclusions is also discussed.