ABCA – 1 ACTIVITY
CS – 602
TECHNICAL DISCUSSION
TOPIC – SYNCHRONOUS OPTICAL
NETWORKING
Submitted To: Submitted By:
Mr. Gaurav Dubey Shorya Garg
0905CS221192
CS – D (B1)
INTRODUCTION
Synchronous Optical Networking (SONET) is a
standardized protocol that enables high-speed data
transmission over optical fiber networks. Developed to
address the growing demand for reliable and
synchronized communication, SONET provides a
framework for multiplexing multiple digital data
streams and ensuring efficient network management.
The protocol offers high data rates, fault tolerance, and
scalability, making it a foundational technology in
telecommunication infrastructures. This report explores
the architecture, frame structure, network topologies,
advantages, and limitations of SONET, while also
comparing it with its international counterpart,
Synchronous Digital Hierarchy (SDH). Despite the
emergence of newer packet-based technologies,
SONET continues to play a critical role in legacy
systems and high-reliability applications.
Core Concepts: -
Synchronization: A fundamental principle of SONET
is its synchronous nature. This means that all network
elements are precisely timed to a master clock. This
synchronization is crucial for ensuring accurate and
efficient data transmission.
Optical Fiber: SONET utilizes optical Fiber as its
transmission medium, enabling high-speed data transfer
with minimal signal loss over long distances.
Standardization: SONET is a standardized protocol,
which promotes interoperability between equipment
from different vendors. This standardization has been
vital for building robust and scalable
telecommunications networks.
SDH: It is important to note that SONET has a
international counterpart called Synchronous Digital
Hierarchy (SDH). While SONET is primarily used in
North America, SDH is used in the rest of the world.
They are very similar, and designed to interoperate.
Applications: -
SONET has been widely used in telecommunications
networks to support:
Long-distance telephone services
High-speed internet access
Data centre connectivity
Video conferencing
The backbone of many telecommunication
networks.
In essence, SONET has played a crucial role in the
development of modern telecommunications
infrastructure, providing a reliable and efficient
platform for high-speed data transmission.
SONET Hierarchy and Rates: -
SONET defines a hierarchy of optical carrier (OC)
levels. The base rate is OC-1 (51.84 Mbps). Higher
levels are multiples of this base rate:
SONET Frame Structure: -
Frame Duration: 125 microseconds (8000 frames
per second).
Structure: Each SONET frame is composed of 9
rows and 90 columns of bytes for OC-1.
Overhead: The first 3 columns are used for Section
and Line overhead, while the rest are for payload
and Path overhead.
Types of Overhead:
Section Overhead: Manages communication
between physical layer devices.
Line Overhead: Manages communication between
multiplexers.
Path Overhead: Supports end-to-end delivery and
maintenance of the payload.
SONET vs SDH: -
SONET is the North American standard, whereas
Synchronous Digital Hierarchy (SDH) is the
international counterpart. They are largely compatible,
but differ in naming and framing details. SONET
(Synchronous Optical Network) and SDH
(Synchronous Digital Hierarchy) are closely related
fiber-optic transmission standards used to transport
large volumes of data over long distances. They are
essentially two versions of the same technology,
developed by different standardization bodies for
different regions.
CONCLUSION: -
ONET has played a crucial role in the development of
modern optical networks, offering reliability,
scalability, and high-speed communication. Although
being gradually replaced by more packet-optimized
technologies like MPLS and Carrier Ethernet, it remains
a cornerstone of legacy and hybrid telecom
infrastructures.
