Mix it up

Carriers' existing SONET networks, which use time-division multiplexing to transport fixed-size payloads of voice traffic, cannot provide the bandwidth necessary for the efficient transport of multiple types of service. To tackle that problem, many carriers have opted to build separate overlay...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Communications News 1999-12, Vol.36 (12), p.30-31
Main Author: Snyder, Michael D
Format: Magazinearticle
Language:English
Subjects:
Asynchronous communications
Asynchronous transfer mode
Automated teller machine networks
Bandwidths
Broadband
Broadband modems
Communications networks
Communications servers
Competitive local exchange carriers
Computer network equipment industry
Cost control
Customer services
Fiber optics
Government agencies
Infrastructure
Internet access
Multiplexers
Product information
Service introduction
SONET
Technology application
Telecommunication
Telecommunications equipment industry
Video compression
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Summary:Carriers' existing SONET networks, which use time-division multiplexing to transport fixed-size payloads of voice traffic, cannot provide the bandwidth necessary for the efficient transport of multiple types of service. To tackle that problem, many carriers have opted to build separate overlay networks on their local loop infrastructures, with each one designed to deliver a specific service, for example, LAN connections, T1/T3 offerings, or Internet access. Unfortunately, these overlay networks are complex. A partial solution is available with asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) technology, which can integrate voice, data, and video signals, and carriers are deploying it rapidly in their backbone networks. However, their existing local-loop infrastructures are based on TDM equipment that cannot transport packetized traffic very efficiently. With the emergence of ATM network transport elements, such as the Cellworx Service Transport Node from ADC Telecommunications, carriers now have everything they need to devise a broadband networking strategy for the long term. By blending SONET and ATM in a hybrid add/drop multiplexer, an ATM network transport element platform basically transforms a dumb transport system into a smart one.
ISSN:0010-3632