Abstract

The next generation of SONET equipment has been well accepted by service providers and is being usefully deployed into networks today to carry continually increasing network traffic. Compared to traditional SONET equipment, Next-Generation SONET (NGADM) is characterized by simple architecture, scalability, high capacity add/drop, multiple ring terminations, multiservices, and multiple fabrics including STS and VT switching capabilities. At the same time, Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) equipment is increasingly showing its viability in today’s metro networks with tremendous available bandwidth over the existing fiber plant, along with a variety of service interfaces and superior optical transmission capabilities. A new generation of equipment is also being rolled out that provides features of both SONET and DWDM. Some are DWDM systems with integrated SONET units that provide grooming, add/drop and protection of a wavelength. Others are NGADMs with built in DWDM capability that provides optical multiplexing, amplification and transmission.

© 2005 Optical Society of America