Many businesses that use a dedicated connection to gain access to the Internet are experiencing strains in throughput and slow response times. Network designers are searching for a new networking solution that can satisfy the ever-increasing need for bandwidth and transmission capacity. As a result, carriers, competitive local exchange carriers (CLECs) and Internet service providers (ISPs) are now offering DS3 (45-Mbps) dedicated access connections. Anticipating these trends, Cisco has responded by developing the CHOC-12/DS3, which simplifies the deployment of DS3 services. The CHOC-12/DS3 provides up to 12 DS3 connections over a single optical interface. This setup allows network designers to increase the port density and minimize floor-space consumption. Network designers can now offer dedicated DS3 access that scales to new levels of performance and capacity, satisfying the bandwidth needs of Internet users.The one-port CHOC-12/DS3 can transmit IP packets directly over SONET-based optical interfaces at wire speed. The card is based on an innovative transmission method that enables the Cisco 12000 to transmit and receive DS3-based IP packets across standard SONET transmission equipment. This type of connectivity is achieved without the need for additional equipment. An ISP or enterprise network designer can attach the Cisco 12000 directly to SONET-based equipment, such as Add Drop Multiplexers (ADMs) or digital cross-connects. The remaining equipment can be redeployed in the network.