SONET evolution: the challenges ahead

A typical SONET (synchronous optical network) is presented. The authors illustrate how small SONET islands in the initial stage evolve into end-to-end switched SONET networks in the final stage. They also identify key, high-level operations issues involved in achieving smooth SONET evolution, fulfilling the SONET promises. Specifically, they look at standards needed to achieve inter-vendor operations interworking, and new OS capabilities for network management functions to support large-scale SONET deployment.<
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