SONET-a network management viewpoint

SONET (synchronous optical network) ANSI T1 optical interface rates and formats specification defines feature sets and functionality for the next generation lightwave transmission systems to be used in the public telephone networks. The author emphasizes three benefits this new technology will provide to the network for future applications, i.e., optical midspan meet, flexible bandwidth for future services, and extensive network management features. These extensive network management features residing in the SONET architecture are the subject of this study. They are categorized into the following areas: layered overhead structure, performance monitoring data, maintenance signals, section and line orderwire channels, user channels, and section and line data communication channels