Documente Academic
Documente Profesional
Documente Cultură
Server
Core network
SONET/SDH
2
Components of next- customer service for greater efficiency. The information required for virtual
generation SONET/SDH Because the intermediate network concatenation is transported in the path
nodes treat each container in the link as a overhead of the individual containers.
Virtual concatenation standard, concatenated container, only SDH SONET
The traditional method of concatena- the path originating and path terminat- High order path H4 H4
tion, as defined in standards such as ing equipment need to recognize and Low order path K4 Z7
ITU-T G.707, is termed “contiguous.” process the virtually concatenated signal
This means that adjacent containers are structure. This means that each link can The parameters required for virtual con-
combined and transported across the take its own path through the network, catenation are the frame counter (MFI)
SONET/SDH network as one container. which can lead to phase differences and the sequence number (SQ).
Contiguous concatenation’s limitations between containers arriving at the path
included the necessity that all network terminating equipment, requiring the
nodes that are part of the transmission equipment to buffer delays.
path must be able to recognize and Today’s transport granularities are
process the concatenated container and defined by the standard line rates STM-0/
the lack of bandwidth granularity, which 1/4/16 and STM-64 (OC-1/3/12/48 and
makes transporting many data signals OC-192). For example, a 1 G service is cur-
inefficient. rently transported via an STM-16 channel.
Virtual concatenation, as recently defined In this case, the actual transport capacity
by the ITU, addresses the drawbacks efficiency is about 42 percent. The group
associated with the contiguous method. VC-4-7v is a virtual concatenated group
Virtual concatenation maps individual (VCG), where VC-4 defines the basic
containers into a virtually concatenated granularity and 7v defines the number
link. Any number of containers can be of members in the group, for nearly an
grouped together, which provides bet- 85 percent gain in efficiency.
ter bandwidth granularity than attained
using traditional techniques. In addition,
it enables network operators to adjust
the transport capacity to the required
Service Transport capacity efficiency Transport capacity efficiency
without VC with VC
Ethernet (10 Mbit) VC-3 --> 20% VC-12-5v --> 92%
Fast Ethernet (100 Mbit) VC-4 --> 67% VC-12-47v --> 100%
ESCON (200 MByte) VC-4-4c --> 33% VC-3-4v --> 100%
Fibre Channel (1 Gbit) VC-4-16c --> 33% VC-4-6v --> 89%
Gigabit Ethernet (1000 Mbit) VC-4-16c --> 42% VC-4-7v --> 85%
Ethernet
GFP VC LCAS
Native interfaces
MUX/DEMUX
Ficon
Generic
Link SONET/
Virtual Capacity SDH
Frame
Escon Concatenation Adjustment
Procedure
Scheme
Fiber
channel LAPS
3
Because members of a VCG can travel Generic framing procedure – The four parts comprising the GFP
through the network via different paths, Encapsulation techniques such as the frame are the core header, payload
they do not all arrive at the destination generic framing procedure (GFP) must be header, actual payload area, and op-
port at the same time. To eliminate this applied to adapt asynchronous, bursty tional error detection field.
differential delay and guarantee the traffic and variable frame sizes before – Core header defines the GFP frame
integrity of all the members in a group, data service traffic such as IP/PPP, Eth- length and detects CRC errors
a sequence number (SQ) is assigned to ernet MAC, Fibre Channel, ESCON, and – Payload header defines the type of
each member. FICON is transported over SONET/SDH information transported, either man-
The MFI can detect differential delays networks. GFP adapts a frame-based data agement frames or client frames as
between VCG members and compensate stream to a byte-oriented data stream well as the content of the payload
for them up to 512 ms. The param- by mapping the diverse services into a – Client payload information defines the
eters describing the frame counter and general-purpose frame, which is then actual transport payload
sequence number are summarized in the mapped into the well-known SONET/SDH – Optional FCS detects errors
following table. frames. This framing structure is better at – There are currently two modes of client
detecting and correcting errors and pro- signal adaptation defined for GFP:
Path Number of Sequence
vides greater bandwidth efficiency than GFP framed (GFP-F), where one data
frames number
traditional encapsulation procedures. signal frame is mapped in its entirety
High order path 0 – 4095 0 – 255
into one GFP frame
Low order path 0 – 4095 0 – 63
– GFP transparent (GFP-T), where data
Core header signal block codes are mapped into
periodic GFP frames
The mode used is dependent on the
Payload headers service being transported; however, to
date, Ethernet is the data client signal
defined for GFP-F, with Fibre Channel
soon to follow. GFP-T maps any data client
Client
signal including Ethernet, Fibre Chan-
payload nel, and ESCON. The services mapped
information via GFP-F consume the least amount
of overhead to guarantee the greatest
bandwidth efficiency, whereas the prior-
ity of those mapped via GFP-T is the fast,
Optional efficient transport of data.
payload FCS
In addition to GFP as an adaptation
mechanism, there are other methods. Of
these, the link access protocol (LAPS) and
figure3 GFP frame the high-level data link control (HDLC)
GFP-T Service is mapped byte-by-byte into the Fibre Channel, FICON, ESCON, Ethernet,
GFP frame DVB, etc.
Optimized transfer delay
Differential delay t
Constant GFP frame length
4
are the two predominant framing mecha- The following parameters in the control
nisms. However, GFP supports multiple packet are relevant for the LCAS protocol:
services, and it has higher flexibility so – Control commands (CTRL) synchronize
that it can be used in combination with the source and receiver and transport
OTN and higher stability, which offers the information regarding the status of the
possibility of introducing GFP multiplex- individual members of a VCG
ing structures. – Source identifier (GID) tells the re-
ceiver which VCG a particular member
LCAS
belongs to
A more recent standard development is – Resequence acknowledgement (RS-
the LCAS protocol, which runs between Ack) notifies the source that the re-
two NEs that are connected at the custom- ceiver received initiated changes
er interface to the traditional SONET/SDH – Member status (MST) transfers the
network. Each H4/K4 byte transports a status of the link from the sink to the
control packet, which consists of informa- source for each individual member of
tion regarding virtual concatenation and the VCG (OK=0, FAIL=1).
parameters of the LCAS protocol. – Error protection (CRC) detects errors
By determining which members of a VCG and discards errored control packets
are activated and how they are used, for individual members of the VCG
LCAS enables the originating equipment
to dynamically change the number of
containers in a concatenated group
in response to a real-time change in
bandwidth requirement. This increase
or decrease in the transport band-
width can be accomplished without
negatively influencing the service. For
example, a company that is supported by
a 500 Mbps link between branches dur-
ing normal business hours needs a higher
bandwidth to perform updates during
off hours. With LCAS, 1 Gig of additional
bandwidth is automatically provisioned
without any adverse impact to service.
LCAS
VCG LCAS LCAS LCAS LCAS
Frame resequence
sequence control source member error
counter acknow-
indicator commands identifier status protection
ledgement
5
Interworking testingthe Bandwidth adaptation – The NE’s ability to store members of a
key component in service To accommodate Ethernet client band- group to compensate for differential
assurance width demand, which has grown from delays
10 Mbps to 30 Mbps, GFP, as the adapta- – The reassembly of the members of a
Testing is a key component in over-
tion layer, fills up the current available group to the complete VCG
coming the challenges of delivering
asynchronous services over continuous bandwidth of the transport network. Dynamic bandwidth adaptation
synchronous SONET/SDH networks. It When more bandwidth is needed, virtual
If LCAS is used, simulating the increased
is not only the first step, but it is also a containers are added to the VCG, which
and decreased use of bandwidth by
necessary ongoing process to guarantee GFP automatically recognizes, triggering it
manipulating the LCAS state machine
that all layers, from the service layer to the to release additional bandwidth.
can verify if the protocol was imple-
GFP layer as well as VC and LCAS, function By testing the NEs, their ability to add and mented correctly. Because LCAS is
properly. remove virtual containers is verified, and not symmetrical, both its forward and
confirmation that GFP can appropriately backward directions need to be tested
Areas to test respond to any changes is provided. simultaneously by manipulating the
Service transparency control commands in the control packet
Compensation mechanism for
and monitoring the response of the NE.
Testing on packet-oriented services such differential delay
Verification of how NEs respond if stan-
as Ethernet must be performed on all NEs, When the network supports virtual con- dardized comments are not used also
including legacy SONET/SDH and PDH catenation, the payload is split and sent is required. It is important to have the
interfaces between customers, the MAN, via different paths through a long-haul ability to perform tests with equipment
and the core network. In addition: network. Because these two paths are that have handshake capability and can
– Each received Ethernet frame is ana- not the same length and contain a dif- validate bandwidth adaptation without
lyzed for errors and alarms ferent number of NEs, the VCG members interrupting service.
– Traffic profiles of network utilization do not reach the termination point at
are generated to indicate how new end the same time. Before reassembling the
users are behaving and to determine if payload, the terminating equipment
traffic is constant or bursty must compensate for this differential
– Worst case analysis is performed on delay. However, because this process
the mapping and demapping of a large consumes computing power and memory
number of short Ethernet frames or space, it must be checked thoroughly to
other abnormal conditions such as ensure it was implemented properly.
oversized frames To prevent poor throughput, the loss of
the payload, or the complete collapse of
the connection, it is important to test for:
VC VC
GFP GFP
MAC MAC
Out In Management
Ethernet
6
Integrity of the NEs interfaces Next-generation SONET/SDH’s flexibility
After next-generation NEs are integrated enables network operators to either
into a legacy SONET/SDH network, they build a network using hybrid TDM/packet
must be tested for compliance with multiservice provisioning platforms or to
ITU-T/ANSI/Telcordia recommendations. provide only the underlying transmit bit
In particular, the tests are designed to stream framing.
verify the correct implementation of error With the telecommunications’ indus-
and alarms reaction, trace identifiers, and try in transition, the emphasis within
path overhead content. Although today’s network operations is on meeting cus-
client payload of VCGs is transported tomer demand within strict budgets.
by one large congruous concatenated Next-generation SONET/SDH not only
container that provides for overcapacity, is cost-effective, it enhances legacy net-
VCGs combine a number of small virtual works’ capabilities and capacity to levels
containers to provide individual transport that surpass other options. By integrating
capacity. Therefore, to verify compliance next-generation SONET/SDH technology
with ITU recommendations, all tests must into legacy networks, significant gain in
be performed on each small container. In throughput, quality, and service avail-
addition to the SONET/SDH interfaces, all ability are achieved as long as testing and
client interfaces must be tested. monitoring are employed to verify that
new and existing technology can accom-
Conclusion modate increasing bandwidth demands.
The biggest advantage of next-generation Operators that overlook these important
SONET/SDH is that it allows network oper- steps will not save money in the long
ators to introduce new technology into term. Without constant verification that
their traditional SONET/SDH networks the NEs are performing appropriately, not
by replacing only the edge NEs. With this only is service quality jeopardized, the
capability, both TDM and packet-oriented long-term costs associated with constant
services are handled efficiently on the service disruptions, downtime, and
same wavelength. In addition, there is unnecessary maintenance prevent net-
significant improvement in how SONET/ work operators from operating profitably
SDH networks manage packet bandwidth or building a base of loyal customers.
and greater granularity while maintaining
the critical functions of traditional TDM
networks.
7
Acterna AdvantageSM adding value
with global services and solutions
From basic instrument support for
your field technicians to management
of complex, company-wide initiatives,
Acterna’s service professionals are com-
mitted to helping you maximize your
return on investment. Whatever your
needs – product support, system man-
agement, education services,
or consulting – we offer programs that
will give you the competitive edge.
To learn more about how Acterna
Advantage can help your business
be more successful, visit the services
section on your local web page at http:
//www.acterna.com/.
12410 Milestone Center Dr. North America Latin America Western Europe © Copyright 2003 Note: Specifications,
Germantown, Maryland 12410 Milestone Center Dr. Av. Eng. Luis Carlos Berrini Arbachtalstrasse 6 Acterna, LLC. terms and conditions
20876-7100 Germantown, Maryland 936/8° e 9° andares 72800 Eningen u.A. All rights reserved. are subject to change
USA 20876-7100 04571-000 São Paulo Germany without notice.
USA SP-Brazil Tel: +49 7121 86 2222 Acterna, The Keepers of
Acterna is present in more Toll Free: 1 866 ACTERNA Tel: +55 11 5503 3800 Fax:+49 7121 86 1222 Communications, and
than 80 countries. To find Toll Free: 1 866 228 3762 Fax:+55 11 5505 1598 its logo are trademarks
your local sales office go to: Tel: +1 301 353 1560 x 2850 Eastern Europe, of Acterna, LLC. All
www.acterna.com Fax: +1 301 353 9216 Asia Pacific Middle East & Africa other trademarks and
42 Clarendon Street Aredstrasse 16-18 registered trademarks
PO Box 141 2544 Leobersdorf are the property of their
South Melbourne Austria respective owners. Major
Victoria 3205 Tel: +43 2252 65610 Acterna operations sites
Australia Fax:+43 2252 65610-22 are IS0 9001 registered.
Tel: +61 3 9690 6700
Fax:+61 3 9690 6750 Prospect Mira, 26
stroenie 5
RF 129090 Moscow
Russia
Tel: +7 095 937 88 04
Fax:+7 095 775 26 05
NEXGENSONSDH/WP/OPT/09-03/AE