SONET enhancements: further integration of transmission and switching

The creation of the enhanced set of ANSI SONET (synchronous optical network) standards is reviewed. With the completion of Phase II of SONET, it will be possible to integrate many of the signal-transport and operations functions. The new short range optical standard will allow network elements to be interconnected optically on an intraoffice basis. The reissue of T1.102 (Digital Hierarchy-Electrical Interfaces) will contain standards for the electrical interfaces STS-1 and STS-3. The original SONET formats standard (T1.105-1988) will have an addendum attached to fill out the requirements for APS (automatic protection switch) and necessary overhead processing for intraoffice applications. An entirely new standard covering OAM&P (operations, maintenance, administration, and provisioning) is being created. Issues in office level integration are discussed.<
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