The PM5336 ARROW 2488 device is a feature-rich, high capacity single-chip solution that enables optimized compact MSPPs and highly integrated central cross-connects or high fan-in tributary cards for chassis-based MSPPs, packet MSPPs, and ROADMs. The ARROW 2488 enables low chip count and power-efficient equipment designs with unprecedented scalability and carrier-grade reliability. The ARROW 2488 consists of a SONET/SDH network interface and framer with integrated SERDES including full section, line, and high-order path processors, non-blocking memory-based high-order STS/AU and low-order VT/TU cross-connect, low-order VT/TU path processors, and a large number of expansion interfaces (both ESSI serial links and a Parallel TelecomBus interface). The SONET/SDH framer, high-order cross-connect, and low-order cross-connect support Message Assisted Protection Switching (MAPSTM), a mechanism that allows standards-based protection switching without software intervention.