Global standards for automatically switched optical networks enable new market services
27 March 2002
News
New global standards for Automatically Switched Optical Networks (ASON) and their control mechanisms have been adopted as a result of an aggressive work programme initiated by ITU to support bandwidth-on-demand applications. The standards add switching capability to the installed optical fibre infrastructure.
ASON control mechanisms provide support for both switched wavelength and sub-wavelength connection services in transport networks to provide bandwidth on-demand. Wavelength connection services make use of an entire wavelength of light while sub-wavelength services use a channel within a wavelength.
The ASON control mechanisms also enable fast optical restoration. Traditionally, transport networks have used protection rather than restoration to provide reliability for connections. With protection, connections are moved to dedicated or shared routes in the event of a failure of a fibre or network equipment. With restoration, the endpoints can 'redial' to re-establish the connection through an alternative route as soon as a loss of the original connection is detected.
Restoration is a defined advantage for carriers as it makes better use of the network capacity and, with this new standard, it can be performed much faster than with most proprietary restoration systems available today.
www.itu.int
Further reading:
From the editor's desk: AI – a double-edged sword
Technews Publishing
News
As with any powerful tool, AI presents challenges, some of which, if not carefully managed, threaten to undo the potential that it can offer.
Read more...
Global semiconductor sales increase
News
The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) has announced global semiconductor sales were $57,0 billion during the month of April 2025, an increase of 2,5% compared to the March 2025.
Read more...
Avnet Abacus announced new president
Avnet Abacus
News
Avnet Abacus has announced that Mario Merino will succeed Rudy Van Parijs as president of Avnet Abacus, effective 1 July 2025.
Read more...
Avnet Abacus wins multiple prestigious awards
Avnet Abacus
News
The awards from Molex recognise outstanding performance, collaboration, and significant growth in the challenging market conditions of 2024.
Read more...
Components distribution slowdown Q1 2025
News
European components distribution (DMASS) experienced a continued slowdown in the first quarter 2025.
Read more...
Semiconductor sales increase 17% YoY
News
The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) recently announced global semiconductor sales were $54,9 billion during the month of February 2025, an increase of 17,1% compared to the February 2024 total.
Read more...
Silicon Labs – Q1 results
News
Silicon Labs, a leading innovator in low-power wireless, recently reported financial results for the first quarter, which ended April 5, 2025.
Read more...
Strengthening industry through strategic partnerships at KITE 2025
Specialised Exhibitions
News
The KwaZulu-Natal Industrial Technology Exhibition is not just an exhibition, it is a powerhouse of industry collaboration where visitors and exhibitors gain access to authoritative insights, technical expertise, and high-impact networking opportunities.
Read more...
Solar Youth Project calls on industry to step up
News
With the second cohort completed training and the first cohort returning for their final module, host companies are urgently needed to turn the training into a long-term opportunity.
Read more...
Conlog powers SA’s future with national smart meter rollout
News
Conlog recently secured the RT29-2024 contract from National Treasury, which is seen to be a major milestone towards modernising SA’s utility infrastructure.
Read more...