What is SONET?

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SONET stands for Synchronous Optical Networking. It is a protocol for transmitting a huge volume of data over long distances using a fiber optic medium. Synchronous Optical Networking was primarily developed in 1984 and then standardized by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) in 1988.

Using synchronous optical networking, multiple digital data streams are transferred simultaneously over optical fiber using laser beams and LEDs. The hardware related to Synchronous Optical Networking was manufactured to provide users with better configuration and reliable services. It may use a re-generator for long-haul distances and boost weak signals that have already traveled a long distance.

SONET supports various streams at the same time and provides efficient services in telecommunication systems. It uses standardized line rates; therefore, all organizations can be interconnected using SONET. The network architecture of a SONET relies on transmitting data even if a portion of the network has failed. SONET uses bidirectional line-switched rings, which could be either 2-fiber or 5-fiber variants, unidirectional path-switched rings, and Linear automatic protection switches.

SONET Connection Data Rates

SONET defines interface standards at the physical layer of the OSI model. It establishes Optical Carrier (OC) levels from 51.8 Mbps (OC-1) to 159252.48 Mbps (OC-3072). The figure below illustrates the different line rates of Optical Carriers (OC).

Advantages and Disadvantages of SONET

Due to comprehensive standards, synchronous Optical Networking is the base for global telecommunication networks. Bandwidth availability and flexibility are the main advantages of Synchronous Optical Networking. So, let’s see the advantages and disadvantages of Synchronous Optical Networking.

Advantages

  • Better network reliability
  • Lower equipment cost
  • Synchronous Optical Networking offers network survivability features
  • Provide Better connectivity between different telecom carriers
  • Synchronous Optical Networking has a highly flexible architecture. Therefore It is compatible with legacy and future network
  • Very high efficiency
  • Allows transportation of all forms of traffic
  • Standard optical interference
  • Easy Multiplexing and De-multiplexing are easy
  • Remote operation capabilities
  • Synchronous Optical Networking provides fast restoral and protection
  • Out-of-band management system

Disadvantages

  • Synchronous Optical Networking has no interoperable standard
  • Tributary services require Synchronous Optical Networking mux services
  • Synchronous Optical Networking management system is not well equipped to handle the DWDM system
  • Bandwidth efficiency is a problem at a higher capacity
  • More overhead is required