Multi-service switches and the service Intelligent™ optical architecture for SONET/SDH metro networks

This paper describes the applications and value of a new type of multi-service switch (MSS) for SONET/SDH metro networks. Metro networks are ultimately responsible for connectivity to end customers and, as such, are key in defining new services that build on those already deployed. Metro networks, with their embedded base of SONET/SDH rings, will be the key to services success. New intelligent services in the wholesale domain (e.g., services sold to service providers) and in the retail domain (e.g., services sold to end customers) must be delivered at lower operational and capital costs, which implies an evolution of the architectural design of the metro network. Network elements that are deployed in the metro networks to serve the need for "traditional" wideband and broadband services must be especially friendly to new services that build on the Internet protocol (IP) suite. Network elements fulfilling these needs are MSSs such as Lucent Technologies' Lambda Unite(R) MSS, which can be integrated into emerging data networks, and can consolidate embedded SONET/SDH rings, enable migration to generalized multiprotocol label switching (GMPLS) mesh networks, offer very flexible Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet data services, and support low-order grooming (VC-12 and VT1.5). MSSs can work cooperatively with multi-service provisioning platforms (MSPPs). Using the generic framing procedure (GFP) and high-order virtual concatenation (HO-VC), new service interfaces which emulate the behavior of wavelengths, can be adapted into the SONET/SDH network through the deployment of edge adaptation (e.g., line cards). (C) 2003 Lucent Technologies Inc.