Long pedigree with multiple vendors
As set out in an earlier blog post, the original UMUX SDH product range was launched in 1991 by Ascom which subsequently became Keymile. The portfolio expanded to include UMUX, LINERUNNER and MILEGATE multiservice communication platforms, along with UNEM network management, and were extensively deployed worldwide. In 2010, Keymile acquired the XMP1 product line from Aastra.
Based on this experience, Keymile in 2016 then launched its ‘next generation’ XMC20 hybrid multi-service Ethernet / MPLS-TP, traditional access and transmission all-in-one network platform, including end-to-end encryption.
The mission-critical business of the Keymile Group, that focussed particularly on Rail, Oil and Gas markets, was sold to ABB in 2017, while the residual Keymile company telco business was purchased in 2019 by DASAN Zhone Solutions Inc (a merger company formed in 2016 from DASAN Network Solutions and Zhone Technologies), renamed to DZS in 2020. Licensing arrangements enabled ABB-Branded XMC20 products to be supplied to ABB’s business market shares, along with ABBs long-standing FOX 515 and 615 PDH/SDH/Hybrid platforms.
Subsequently the UMUX, LINE RUNNER, MILEGATE, XMP1 and FOX515 product lines were discontinued, in favour of the XMC20 and FOX 615 portfolio.
In 2020 the joint venture Hitachi ABB Power Grids was established, with Hitachi acquiring 81.1% ownership. Hitachi completed the purchase of the remaining 19.9% stake in 2022, rebranding as Hitachi Energy in 2021 to reflect the new ownership.
DZS filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in 2025. Canada’s MNSi (Managed Network Services Inc.) acquired the assets and formed a new US-based company, Zhone Technologies Inc.
Continuing to provide critical infrastructure services
The XMC20 Hybrid Multi-Service Platform for Ethernet / MPLS-TP and traditional services provides an all-in-one network element. The XMC25, XMC23 and XMC22 subracks, providing 4, 8 or 21 slots for core units, line cards and gateways offer multi-service features in compact and scalable housings designed for harsh environments.
The XMC20 remains a key product within Hitachi Energy’s network portfolio as a multi-service communication platform for mission-critical systems.
It offers a modular architecture providing a wide range of interfaces, services and technologies and high reliability required by mission critical networks.
Keeping Customers Operational
@YellowsBestLtd with our aim of Keeping Customers Operational assist with seeking out new products and legacy equipment spares to maintain new and well-established systems, as well as built-to-order cables and connectors to suit exact requirements, so please contact us if there is anything you require.
Given the investment that has been made over many years, coupled with the fact may operational requirements have not changed, it makes sense to keep systems in place. And it can be the case that suggested replacements cannot provide equivalent operational lifetimes which therefore become obsolete faster than existing deployments. By suppling spares, offering repair services and technical assistance, we are able to support these aims of continued operational service.
Refurbished and Surplus Spares in Demand
Since these product families continue to prove their excellent availability and reliability to customers, we continue to provide stock of many of these items, either in new, surplus or refurbished condition. Current stocks include:
- Chassis: MXMC25, MileGate (can be converted to XMC20 via software load)
- Cards: SUPC4, SUPC5, SUIQ1, GOGE3, STIM, CEOP1, IPSX4,IPX4, DUPI4, FANU6, NUSA1, COGE5, ETE24, SELI8, TUDA1
- Old Generation: NUSA1 (large quantity)
Certain product elements are from time-to-time sought after in order to maintain operations of deployed systems or keep stocks of spares at levels to ensure that SLAs for maintenance and support are achieved.
We are currently interested in locating these products:
- XMC20 ETO12 – Ethernet unit providing 12 Ethernet interfaces for optical or electrical SFP modules.
- MileGate SUE12 – High density Ethernet line card for business services and advanced IP applications
- MileGate SUE16 – High density active Ethernet Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) line card for residential subscribers
We would be keen to hear from you should you be able to supply these parts, or alternatively whether we can be of any assistance with your solution requirements for legacy systems and new technologies, so please let us know !