At EMS, we’re always eager to get involved with new projects.
So, it should come as no surprise that we’ve spent the last few years working on a truly exciting launch: the FireBrick FB9000.
This optimised internet appliance is built for use within internet service provider (ISP) networks — sitting in between the core and wholesale carrier networks to link the two together — and offers a range of cutting-edge features and specific functions.
As the chosen electronics manufacturing service provider for this exceptional product, we had the pleasure of assisting with everything from the planning to the production of the FB9000. Here’s what you need to know about it all!
What does the appliance do?
The FB9000 is the latest addition to the FireBrick range, which comprises flexible internet appliances that have been imagined, designed, developed, programmed, built and supported in the UK for over 20 years.
Replacing the FB6000 series of telco-grade routers and firewalls, the FireBrick FB9000 boasts a low power consumption and long-lasting design (backed by a generous five-year warranty) to aid in cost-effectiveness and sustainability. And it comes with more capabilities than its predecessor…
The FB9000 is equipped with eight small form-factor pluggable (SFP) ports for 8x1G connectivity and two SFP+ ports for 10G connectivity, as well as RJ45 serial console ports and USB ports for special functions.
It’s also got dual rear-exhausting temperature-controlled fans, a robust, compact 1U 19-inch rack-mount enclosure, front or rear-attached rack ears available in three different depth positions and front or rear-facing dual power supplies for ease of cabling.
All these features provide the product with enough flexibility to be used in a wide range of scenarios.
For example, the FireBrick FB9000 can act as a L2TP network server (LNS), with the ability to terminate digital subscriber line (DSL) tails from wholesale carriers. Or it can be used as a Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet (PPPoE) server, terminating ultra-fast full fibre broadband (FTTP) services from alternative networks.
Moreover, the FB9000 can provide a protective firewall for 10G office connectivity. And with multiple full-table routing abilities, it can also assist with Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) — facilitating the exchange of information between autonomous systems.
The appliance can even send ‘pings’ to test for internet destination responsiveness, thanks to its graph/log loss and latency for hundreds of thousands of endpoints!
As for how FireBrick managed to produce such a multi-functional device without compromising on reliability or quality, it’s all in the electronics manufacturing.
How did EMS assist with the project?
EMS first got involved with the FB9000 in 2019 and provided a host of electronics manufacturing support to help support the project in such a tricky landscape.
We then looked at the FB9000 design files in March 2020, a time when COVID-19 and supply chain issues were interfering with time to launch, and provided a host of electronics manufacturing support to help support the project in such a tricky landscape.
After creating a selection of prototypes, advising on component selection and managing the procurement side of the project, we handled the printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) and testing for the chosen design’s main board and power supply. Of course, given our commitment to quality, each PCB was assembled and tested using top-of-the-range equipment.
Having worked with FireBrick for over 10 years, we’re really pleased with what we delivered for this long-standing client. But why listen to us tell you how good we are when you can hear what FireBrick had to say about its experience with our electronics manufacturing services?
Reflecting on the project’s success, FireBrick’s team said they were super happy to work with a friendly, flexible company with fair prices — and that we did the job well, with great-quality results.
They also said they chose us over other companies in the Far East because we’re a local company that conducts more intensive testing. We used automatic test equipment (ATE) on this project!
It was an honour to work with FireBrick on the FB9000, and we’re thrilled to say we’re now in talks about partnering the company again on another new design. Watch this space…
If you’d like our help with an upcoming project, contact us at +44 (0)1635 588 871 or email sales@emsolutions.co.uk.
