Optical Network Design and Implementation

Summary

There is a need to carry Ethernet end to end in a consistent packet format from start to finish throughout the entire transport path. This would eliminate the need for additional layers of protocol and synchronization that result in extra costs and complexities. Currently, many technologies are available to build broadband MANs and WANs, such as ATM, GE, DPT, PoS, MSPP, and so on. The two leading technology contenders are GE and MSPP. The issue becomes a choice of technology, wherein each technology has its own merits and demerits. Most ILECs and IXCs have a huge SONET/SDH installed base with dark fiber laid out in rings, which does not lend itself very well to the implementation of MANs using GE, for example. Furthermore, the choice ...