Siemens Trials IP-over-DWDM

BERLIN -- In a field trial in Berlin, the Siemens Information and Communication Networks Group has successfully tested a data link layer that allows cost-optimized transport of IP data using dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM). The data link layer was jointly developed with the Technical University in Munich. Current protocols such as ATM or SDH are no longer required, thus dispensing with expensive equipment and simplifying network management.

To demonstrate the functionality of the new data link layer, a field trial was carried out in Berlin using a server with internet access, two gateways, an IP router and a PC to surf the web. The test route was a fiber optic ring with DWDM technology. The test equipment was connected to the ring using optical add/drop multiplexers. To access the internet the IP data was converted to optical light signals, not using the standard ATM or SDH, but using a newly developed module from Siemens which contains the entire functionality of the new data link layer. The module largely consists of programmable semiconductor devices. Its simplicity, robust synchronization of sender and recipient, modular design and functions for operating wide area networks such as automatic fault location, characterize the data link layer. When surfing the web during the test there was error-free interworking with the IP layer.

http://www.siemens.com/ic/networks