Sonet

SONET (Synchronous Optical Network) is a standardized protocol used to transmit multiple digital data streams over optical fiber using lasers or LEDs. It was developed in the 1980s to replace the older PDH (Plesiochronous Digital Hierarchy) system and to provide a more robust and scalable means of transporting data over long distances.

Key Features of SONET:

1. High-Speed Data Transmission: SONET supports high data rates, making it suitable for transmitting large amounts of data across long distances. Common data rates range from 51.84 Mbps (STS-1) up to 39.8 Gbps (STS-768).

2. Multiplexing: SONET can multiplex multiple data streams into a single optical signal, which allows for the efficient use of bandwidth.

3. Synchronization: SONET is highly synchronized, meaning that all the devices in a SONET network are synchronized to the same clock. This reduces the complexity of managing data streams and reduces the chance of data loss or errors.

4. Interoperability: SONET is a widely accepted standard, allowing different manufacturers' equipment to work together in the same network.

5. Protection and Restoration: SONET networks are designed with redundancy, so if a failure occurs, the network can quickly switch to a backup path to maintain the connection.

Applications:

• Telecommunications: SONET is widely used by telecom companies to transmit telephone calls, internet traffic, and other forms of digital communication.
• Enterprise Networking: Large organizations use SONET for high-speed data transmission between data centers and offices.
• Government and Defense: The reliability and security of SONET make it a good fit for military and government communications.

SONET vs. SDH:

SONET is closely related to another standard called SDH (Synchronous Digital Hierarchy), which is used outside of North America. Both standards are similar and compatible, with minor differences in terminology and specific implementation details.