Universal interface-group approach to improving the flexibility and performance of SONET multiplex equipment

Previous generations of SONET and asynchronous multiplex equipment have typically dedicated fixed portions of the equipment shelf to different types/rates of services. More recently, some companies have adopted universal backplane approaches. These approaches also have limitations for service modularity and system performance. This paper discusses a universal interface-group approach in which the shelf is partitioned into sections and each section can be provisioned to support different service types. The result is flexibility approaching that of universal backplane systems, but with better modularity, higher internal system bandwidth, and simplified system control.