By: John Shepler
Throughout the last century, high-speed communication lines have transitioned from analog copper lines to digital copper lines and finally to digital fiber optic lines. The technology driving fiber optics has also advanced from time-sliced synchronous multiplexing to packet-based protocols, reflecting the shift towards network-based computing in almost every industry. While older SONET telco lines remain functional, upgrading to Ethernet WAN, the latest fiber optic technology, offers significant advantages.
From High-Speed Phone Lines to High-Speed Data
Developed by phone companies, SONET (Synchronous Optical NETwork) was designed to combine, or multiplex, thousands of phone calls onto a single optical fiber for long-distance transmission. To ensure compatibility, SONET was designed to work with the existing T1 service, which transmits 24 calls over two twisted copper pairs – a standard telephone line.
SONET allowed phone companies to bundle T1 lines into DS3 lines and then into OC3 fiber lines, with the ability to demultiplex, or separate, them at any point. This system maintained compatibility down to the individual telephone channel level.
Adapting SONET for Computer Networks
The transition of SONET to support computer networking involved converting between SONET’s time-division multiplexing and Ethernet’s packet switching. This conversion was achieved through protocol conversion on a plug-in module, making the process seamless for the user. Data packets entered one router and emerged from another, regardless of distance.
SONET, designed for fiber optic cables, was used for early fiber optic computer network links. OC3, with a speed of 155 Mbps, was the entry-level option for corporations transitioning from T1 and T3 lines. Increasing the speed involved simply swapping out the adaptor module for the desired SONET level.
The internet’s growth was fueled by SONET. SONET rings, offering redundant pathways, formed the foundation of the internet. Internet service providers connected using SONET, dividing bandwidth among numerous 64Kbps dial-up modems, and later, DSL or Cable broadband modems.
The Rise of Ethernet
Developed by Xerox PARC in the mid-to-late 1970s, Ethernet emerged as the dominant networking protocol, fueled by the simultaneous rise of personal computers. The affordability of Ethernet components, including adaptors, cables, hubs, and routers, encouraged its adoption across the board. Ethernet RJ-45 jacks became standard on PCs and peripherals for compatibility.
As Ethernet became the networking standard and computer data traffic surpassed voice traffic, using Ethernet for both Wide Area Networks (WANs) and Local Area Networks (LANs) became practical. The shift from analog to digital phone systems, using VoIP on the same network as computers, diminished the need for a separate voice network.
The emergence of competitive network providers, independent of phone companies, also contributed to the shift from SONET to Ethernet. These providers, free from supporting legacy analog phone services, focused on offering Ethernet connections, challenging the dominance of traditional telcos.
The original Ethernet protocol has expanded to encompass Carrier Ethernet specifications, adapting LAN Ethernet for MAN (Metropolitan Area Network) and WAN use cases.
The Advantages of Ethernet WAN
Unlike SONET, with its distinct service levels and bandwidth requirements, Ethernet offers a more flexible approach. An Ethernet port with a maximum bandwidth, for example, 1 Gbps, can support any bandwidth up to that limit. Users can start with 100 Mbps service and easily upgrade to 500 Mbps or 1 Gbps without hardware changes. Upgrades beyond 1 Gbps require a higher capacity port. Many providers allow users to adjust their service level online for a seamless upgrade process.
Ethernet services often cost significantly less than SONET, with users paying for their desired service level (10 Mbps, 100 Mbps, 1 Gbps, 10 Gbps, etc.). Changing the service level after installation is simple, with bills adjusted accordingly.
The abundance of competing Ethernet MAN and WAN providers has driven down prices per Mbps. These providers, including traditional phone companies with improved pricing and independent carriers, offer regional, national, or international coverage. They provide competitive pricing, excellent customer service, high reliability, and attractive bandwidth deals.
Two common service types include a dedicated internet connection at a chosen bandwidth and point-to-point dedicated private lines. These private lines function as long Ethernet cables, connecting LANs separated by significant distances. They offer high performance and privacy for connecting offices, branches, warehouses, and manufacturing centers. Direct connections between offices and cloud providers are another popular application, bypassing internet performance fluctuations and integrating cloud services seamlessly.
If you’re still relying on legacy SONET service, exploring competing Ethernet WAN services is worthwhile. You might find higher bandwidth at the same cost or significant savings for your current bandwidth needs. Checking out available options is free and could lead to substantial benefits.
