How do you manage and configure SDH network elements and services over WDM using various tools and protocols?

1 SDH adaptation of WDM

SDH adaptation of WDM is the process of mapping SDH signals onto WDM channels and vice versa. It involves adjusting the bit rate, wavelength, and format of the SDH signals to match the WDM specifications and the network topology. SDH adaptation of WDM can be done in two ways: transparent and non-transparent. Transparent adaptation means that the SDH signal is preserved without any modification or processing, while non-transparent adaptation means that the SDH signal is processed or converted to a different format or protocol. The choice of adaptation method depends on the network requirements, such as the level of protection, switching, grooming, or monitoring needed.

2 SDH management tools

SDH management tools are software applications that allow network operators to monitor, control, and configure SDH network elements and services over WDM. They provide a graphical user interface (GUI) that displays the network topology, status, alarms, and performance indicators of the SDH network elements and services. They also enable network operators to perform various tasks, such as provisioning, fault detection, troubleshooting, backup, restoration, and security management. Some examples of SDH management tools are Cisco Transport Manager, Huawei U2000, Alcatel-Lucent 1350 Optical Management System, and Ericsson SO-EM.

3 SDH configuration protocols

SDH configuration protocols are communication protocols that enable SDH network elements and services to exchange information and commands over WDM. They are used to establish, maintain, and terminate connections, as well as to configure parameters, such as bit rate, wavelength, protection scheme, and quality of service. Some examples of SDH configuration protocols are Generalized Multi-Protocol Label Switching (GMPLS), Optical Transport Network (OTN), and Automatically Switched Optical Network (ASON).

4 SDH network elements

SDH network elements are hardware devices that perform the functions of transmitting, receiving, multiplexing, demultiplexing, switching, and converting SDH signals over WDM. They include optical line terminals (OLTs), optical add-drop multiplexers (OADMs), optical cross-connects (OXCs), optical transponders, optical amplifiers, and optical splitters. Each SDH network element has its own configuration interface, which can be accessed through a local console, a remote terminal, or a network management system.

5 SDH services

SDH services are the types of data or applications that can be transported over SDH networks over WDM. They include voice, video, data, and multimedia services that require different levels of bandwidth, latency, jitter, and availability. SDH services can be classified into three categories: virtual containers (VCs), which are the basic units of SDH transmission; tributary units (TUs), which are the subunits of VCs; and higher-order paths (HPs), which are the aggregates of VCs or TUs. SDH services can be configured according to the customer's needs and preferences, such as the service type, bit rate, wavelength, protection scheme, and quality of service.

6 SDH adaptation challenges

SDH adaptation of WDM poses some challenges for network operators and service providers, such as compatibility, interoperability, scalability, and security issues. Compatibility refers to the ability of SDH network elements and services to work with different WDM standards and technologies, such as coarse WDM (CWDM), dense WDM (DWDM), or hybrid WDM (HWDM). Interoperability refers to the ability of SDH network elements and services to communicate with different vendors' equipment and protocols, such as GMPLS, OTN, or ASON. Scalability refers to the ability of SDH network elements and services to accommodate the increasing demand for bandwidth and diversity of services over WDM. Security refers to the ability of SDH network elements and services to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the transmitted data over WDM.

7 Here’s what else to consider

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