Customer Reviews

SONET: A Guide to Synchronous Optical Network (McGraw-Hill Computer Communications Series)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book provides a good, readable and thorough introduction to SONET for neophytes as well as moderately experienced readers. A nice balance of technical fact and background/historical information is maintained. The author does an excellent job of explaining SONET frame structures, pointers, overhead usage, etc. In addition, he provides a valuable introduction to the antecedents of SONET (the Bell System T-carrier networks and so on) and provides reasons for many of its architectural and design choices.

While the book does have its faults (various errors, too much devoted to non-SONET topics, no details of concatenation beyond STS-3 levels, etc.) and needs some updating to accommodate modern SONET practice, I would recommend this book to anyone with some knowledge of communications who wishes to gain an understanding of SONET and its architecture. (Prospective readers are warned that little information will be found on SDH - the book does remain true to its title in this regard.)

The book provides good coverage of the evolution of SONET and the intricacies and "problems" associated with PDH. There's even good coverage of SDH. However, beware of the sections on SONET rings. They are poorly written, misleading and in some instances downright wrong! Unfortunately, one or two inaccuracies can make one leary about the entire book.

This book is recommended for all Sonet and telephony related people. Not only does this book go over Synchronous optical networks, but goes into detail about the differences between SONET and SDH(sychronous digital hierachy) which is used in europe. It also goes over the different vendors equipment and thier good point and bad points giving you a better understanding of Sonet from all angles. ITS A REALLY GOOD BOOK!

This book is excellent for people both new to and experienced with SONET. It covers history, general and detailed implementation, applications, the future of SONET, and practical factors (such as pressures from competitive companies and technologies, and the slow adoption of some network management standards). It includes details of individual OAM&P overhead signals, internode communications use of the DCC, rings and failures, delay and timing issues, etc. It has coverage of present SONET implementations by various companies, and future directions for SONET. It covers the issues of concern to me very well, and there is much more in the book to cover your issues also. The book is easy to read and very informative. I frequently refer back to it in my SONET-related work.