A hybrid data transport protocol for SONET/SDH and direct data over optical networks

Next-generation optical network configurations are a mix of SONET/SDH and direct data over fiber networks with SONET/SDH networks carrying a larger number of data packets along with traditional T1/T3 channels. Current SONET/SDH architecture, however, is not efficient for transport of different data types on a single fiber (or wavelength). A hybrid data transport (HDT) protocol is described here that features a unified optical transport across SONET and data-over-fiber networks for multiprotocol data transport (including PDH and raw data), instant bandwidth provisioning, and payload-independent MPLS support for efficient optical path selection and wavelength routing.