866-594-9166What Is Sonet Optical Network?
When it comes to telecom networks, SONET can deliver many benefits. So, what does SONET stand for and what is SONET optical network? In the telecommunications world, there tend to be acronyms for just about every service or network available. SONET simply stands for Synchronous Optical Networking. It’s a standard protocol that transfers large amounts of data synchronously across an optical fiber using lasers or via an electrical interface. A physical layer specification allows voice, video, and data simultaneous transmission at high speeds through a single fiber.
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What is SONET used for?
The SONET method was created to replace the plesiochronous digital hierarchy (PDH) system which transported telephone calls or data in large amounts over the same fiber. SONET allows for simultaneous transport of many different circuits of origin within a single framing system. Synchronous Digital Hierarchy (SDH) is essentially the same protocol as SONET. The difference is that SONET is used in the United States and Canada and SDH throughout the rest of the world. Also, they are different in frame size and terminology. The SONET standards were developed before SDH but is still considered a variation of SDH due to its worldwide application.
Employed by both large telephone companies and common carriers alike, SONET’s speed reaches between 51Mbps to 200 Gbps. With a built-in self-healing ring architecture, two or more transmission paths between nodes are used in the event that one path fails or has a problem. These rings help ensure the reliability of the network as data can be rerouted to another path of transport.
SONET was originally developed in the 1980s for your basic telephone networks. Today it acts as a standard so that digital networks can connect with existing conventional transmission systems and utilize the optical media through attachments.
SONET Optical Standards
SONET provides standards for many line rates leading up to the maximum line rate of 10 Gbps (gigabytes per second). Optical Carrier levels are the base of which SONET is defined. OC-1 (optical carrier level 1) can support up to 51.84 Mbps (megabytes per second). OC-3 is the next level up and the 3 means it carries 3 times the bandwidth. After OC-3, each level is multiplied by four: OC-3, OC-12, OC-24, OC-48, These sets of levels are referred to as Optical Carrier Levels.
Benefits of SONET
There are numerous advantages associated with SONET which is why it has replaced a number of the older telecom systems and protocols. It has the capacity to set the foundation for telecom networks for years to come. Here is a list of some of the benefits of SONET:
- Bandwidth availability and flexibility
- Network reliability
- Room to grow and morph as technological advances
- High Efficiency
- Reduced cost
- Allows for the transportation of multiple forms of traffic
- Superior connectivity between carriers
- Can transmit data over long distances
- Standard optical interference
- Remote capabilities
Disadvantages of SONET
- More required overhead
- Bandwidth less efficient at higher capacities
- Not cost-effective for low channel numbers
- Both SONET and SDH systems aren’t fully equipped to handle the DWDM (dense wavelength division multiplexing) method.
SONET Layers
Four different layers are defined with SONET. These layers are path, line, section, and photonic. Each layer is responsible for certain jobs or applications. The path layer is responsible for the movement of the signal from the optical source until it reaches its destination. The line layer is where the signal moves across the cable. The section layer is responsible for the movement of signals across a physical section. Lastly, the photonic layer corresponds to the physical layer of the 0Sl model and includes specifications for the fiber channel.
Conclusion
If you have questions regarding SONET or any other telecommunication topics, give OneStop Communications a call. We provide the very best in integrated telecom services and solutions in the entire Atlanta area. From high-speed internet to cloud computing service providers that give your business the flexibility it requires, we can help you achieve all your goals. Our hassle-free services are designed to be both cost-effective and seamlessly integrated.
Our consulting experts work to find the best local solutions for your company so you can focus on the growth and management of your business. We work with T1 internet providers, cellular carriers, and other companies to develop a telecom strategy that is uniquely designed to help your business reach its full potential. Contact us today to learn more about all the services we provide. We’re based in Atlanta and serve all of the southeastern US including Miami, Orlando, Birmingham, and Jackson.
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