Ethernet Over Sonet: For Multipoint Applications

2007-05-02 10:04:19

( Education )



Ethernet over SONET refers to particular delivery system for Ethernet services: it uses a SONET network, which essentially is a fiber-optic network. You may be more familiar with the common mode of delivery over existing infrastructure and using time-division multiplexing technology, but Ethernet over SONET may be less familiar since it is only recently that service providers have deployed optical networks on a more massive scale.

You may eventually see more of Ethernet over SONET. Businesses have increased their deployments of advanced network applications that require bigger bandwidths, larger capability to support multipoint data needs, and higher service quality from one end of the network to the other. These advanced network applications include such useful services as voice over IP (VoIP) telephony and videoconferencing. While service providers try to address this growing demand to have multipoint Ethernet capability, they also must continue providing the existing services for voice and data.

In preparing their infrastructure program to address these needs, your service provider has two basic alternatives to deliver Ethernet over SONET networks. One option is to continue utilizing the existing time-division multiplexing technology to deliver Ethernet through an increasingly complex mesh of single-point circuits. Or, the service provider can deploy scalable multipoint networks using appropriate switching technology. The latter option is likely to have sufficient switching capability to support all kinds of applications, from multipoint applications down to the traditional voice/data applications that are familiar to you.

Service providers are using various technologies to give you access to the Ethernet. For a while now, you have had asymmetric DSL plus (ADSL+) in use, and very high bit DSL (VDSL); many are familiar with the cable modem used by cable companies. Most providers are in the process of deploying Ethernet over SONET for delivery of the bandwidth-intensive applications. Easier videoconferencing will make the online fortune teller business happy.


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