Abstract

For the past three years, there has been activity to define a standard optical interface in the ECSA T1X1 committee that could be used to connect equipment from different suppliers optically. The first set of specifications for this interface, commonly referred to as SONET (synchronous optical network), has been published as ANSI standards. In addition, CCITT has finalized the recommendation for SONET and it will be included in this study period’s set of recommendations. The standard will have a major impact on the next generation network equipment. Much information exists about this standard but it is sometimes hard to obtain or interpret. This tutorial explains what the specification is, how it is used and what effect it will have on the network of the future.

© 1989 Optical Society of America