Abstract

The growth of data-centric traffic in carrier networks has created extreme scaling challenges in traditional SONET/SDH based networks. These networks, designed for voice and private line services, have traditionally supported these services using features such as linear or ring protection, synchronization,efficient multiplexing,etc.However, as ISP backbone trunks scale to OC-192c, these features add little value because their technological limitations delay OC-768 deployment. In fact, it is projected that OC-768c client interfaces will be available at the same time as long-haul OC-768 technology. As a result, SONET/ SDH will be used primarily for framing and multiplexing of sub-wavelength STS-N signals. Distributed protection and restoration functions will be migrated to IP/optical networks with standards-based implementations of Generalized Multi-Protocol Label Switching (GMPLS), initially referred as Multi-Protocol Lambda Switching (MPλS) in IETF.¹

© 2002 Optical Society of America