What are the best practices for SDH adaptation of voice and video signals?

1 Mapping methods

The first step in adapting voice and video signals to SDH is to map them into appropriate SDH containers, which are units of data that can be carried by SDH frames. There are different mapping methods for different signal types and bit rates, such as asynchronous mapping, bit synchronous mapping, and byte synchronous mapping. The choice of mapping method depends on factors such as the source signal format, the required quality of service, and the availability of overhead bytes.

2 Adaptation functions

The second step in adapting voice and video signals to SDH is to perform some adaptation functions, which are processes that modify the mapped signals to make them compatible with SDH. Some common adaptation functions are pointer processing, justification, stuffing, scrambling, and error monitoring. These functions help to align the signals with the SDH frame structure, compensate for clock differences, increase security, and detect errors.

3 Adaptation layers

The third step in adapting voice and video signals to SDH is to encapsulate them into adaptation layers, which are sublayers of the SDH hierarchy that define the specific characteristics and functions of the adapted signals. There are different adaptation layers for different signal types and rates, such as VC-12, VC-3, and VC-4. The adaptation layers also provide some additional features, such as path overhead, protection switching, and concatenation.

4 Network elements

The fourth step in adapting voice and video signals to SDH is to transmit them through the network elements, which are the devices that form the SDH network infrastructure. There are different types of network elements, such as multiplexers, cross-connects, add-drop multiplexers, and regenerators. These network elements perform various functions, such as multiplexing, switching, routing, and amplifying the SDH signals.

5 Quality parameters

The fifth step in adapting voice and video signals to SDH is to monitor and evaluate their quality parameters, which are the indicators that measure the performance and reliability of the SDH network and the adapted signals. Some common quality parameters are bit error rate, jitter, delay, availability, and protection switching time. These parameters help to identify and troubleshoot any problems or faults in the SDH network and the adapted signals.

6 Optimization techniques

The sixth and final step in adapting voice and video signals to SDH is to apply some optimization techniques, which are the methods that improve the efficiency and quality of the SDH network and the adapted signals. Some examples of optimization techniques are grooming, compression, coding, and filtering. These techniques help to reduce the bandwidth consumption, enhance the signal quality, and increase the network flexibility and scalability.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?