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What is Synchronous Digital Hierarchy (SDH) / Synchronous Optical Networking (SONET)?
SDH (Synchronous Digital Hierarchy) and SONET (Synchronous Optical Networking) are standardized multiplexing protocols used in telecommunications to transmit multiple digital signals over optical fiber.
SDH and SONET are essentially the same technology, but SDH is the European version and SONET is the American version.
Basic Concepts of SDH/SONET:
1. Synchronization:
SDH/SONET is a synchronous technology, which means it relies on a clocking mechanism to ensure all the transmitting and receiving devices are synchronized. This ensures that the digital signals maintain their timing integrity throughout the entire transmission network.
2. Multiplexing:
SDH/SONET allows multiple signals of different capacities and speeds to be combined into a single transport stream. This is achieved through the process of multiplexing. The transmission capacity of SDH/SONET is divided into fixed-sized containers, known as Virtual Containers (VCs). These containers are further combined to form larger containers, such as Virtual Tributary (VT) groups and Optical Tributary (OT) groups, to accommodate different types of traffic.
3. Framing:
In SDH/SONET, the data and overhead (control) information are structured into a specific frame format. The frame consists of fixed-sized sections, known as Synchronous Transport Modules (STMs) in SDH or Synchronous Transport Signals (STSs) in SONET. The framing structure provides a way to organize and transmit the data in a standardized format, ensuring accurate synchronization and error detection.
4. Protection and Restoration:
SDH/SONET supports protection mechanisms to ensure high availability of the network. When a failure occurs, such as a fiber cut or equipment malfunction, the system can automatically switch the traffic onto alternate routes or backup equipment, minimizing service disruption.
Benefits of SDH/SONET:
– Scalability: SDH/SONET allows for easy scaling and addition of new services, as it provides a hierarchical structure and standardized interfaces.
– Efficient Bandwidth Utilization: The multiplexing feature of SDH/SONET enables efficient utilization of network capacity by combining different signals into a single transport stream.
– Reliability: The built-in protection and restoration mechanisms ensure high network reliability, minimizing downtime and service disruptions.
– Interoperability: SDH/SONET is a globally recognized and standardized technology, ensuring compatibility and interoperability between different vendors’ equipment.
In summary, SDH/SONET is a synchronized and multiplexing technology used in telecommunications to efficiently transmit multiple digital signals over optical fiber. Its hierarchical structure, scalability, and built-in reliability features make it a popular choice for backbone networks.
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