Cisco Self-Study: Building Cisco Metro Optical Networks (METRO)

Chapter 3. SONET Overview

This chapter covers the following topics:

• SONET/SDH overview

• SONET/SDH development and fundamentals

• SONET layers

• SONET framing

• SONET network elements

• SONET topologies

• SONET alarms

• SONET management

• Cisco SONET enhancements

In this chapter, you learn about the history that led to the development of SONET. The digital hierarchy is then expanded with SONET, and the higher speeds are made possible through the use of optical fiber. To help you understand SONET and its inner workings, this chapter covers the architecture, layers, framing, and network elements that make up a SONET network. You learn the different ways a SONET network can be constructed and protected. Finally, you learn how SONET provides for alarm reporting and the ability ...