From Laboratory Testing to Field Deployment: An Interoperability Success Story

摘要

Service providers are now able to leverage partnerships between SONET equipment suppliers toensure network design flexibility based on lab-proven interoperability between multi-vendorproducts. Such partnerships enable BellSouth to implement optimal network architectures utilizingbest in class products based on SONET standards. This paper describes the history leading up toand the lessons learned from the first phase of a field trial using a Tellabs TITANa 5500 widebanddigital cross-connect system (DCS) with Lucent Technologies DDM-2000 multiplexers inunidirectional path switched rings (UPSR).The field trial is a culmination of interoperability partnership efforts between Tellabs and LucentTechnologies. The two companies have been involved in formal interoperability testing since 1996.Their initial joint evaluation involved linear point-to-point optical interface testing which laterevolved to UPSR interoperability testing. Comprehensive testing included early design verificationand validation testing across large networks. This process also necessitated coordination ofproduct plans to ensure concurrent product feature availability in support of desired networkapplications. Collaborative troubleshooting, which is integral to the testing process, led to thediagnosis and resolution of issues. Interoperability reports were issued on a regular basis,documenting interoperability test results.The field trial is being performed in two phases. Phase 1 of the trial is the topic for this paper.This phase of the field trial focused on collection of DS1 traffic from an interoffice OC-3 ringnetwork. Each network involved an optical port of a Tellabs TITANa 5500 wideband DCS as thegateway network element (GNE) and two Lucent DDM-2000 multiplexers. The field trial site wasa BellSouth CO in Jackson, Mississippi. Refer to Figure 1 for the network architecture employedin Jackson. This paper focuses on the technical and operational lessons learned from Phase 1 ofthe BellSouth field trial. In addition, it identifies potential issues for later phases of the field trial.In summary, standards-based interoperability gives service providers flexibility to deploy best-inclasstechnology, which optimizes network architectures and supports future service offerings.Service providers can leverage formal interoperability agreements to drive SONET vendors tosynchronize product plans, ensuring optimal flexibility in network design. The net result of theseinteroperability advances is that service providers will be empowered to provide their customers thehighest quality service at the best possible value.