Role of SONET Rings in ATM Networks

摘要

In today’s circuit switched network, ring topologies have been shown to add substantialvalue, providing excellent transport economics while delivering high tolerance to cablecuts and nodal failures. However, going forward, Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM)will likely play a major role in the network. A key issue then becomes whether ATMshould be transported on yet another new overlay network, or integrated into theemerging SONET network.This paper explores the role of SONET rings, in particular bidirectional line switchedrings, in light of ATM. The importance of line switched rings to ATM, and whethertoday’s investment in rings will be protected into the future is addressed. Conclusionsare drawn as to the role of SONET rings as the penetration of ATM services carried inthe network grows.