SONET-based TR-303 RDTs: transitional interoperability concerns and solutions

Two transitional interoperability concerns associated with byte-synchronous SONET-based RDTs (remote digital terminals) are discussed. The first is the availability of needed SONET byte-synchronous capabilities in the central office. The second is the complexities that arise when the TMC (timeslot management channel) method for timeslot management is utilized until the CSC capability becomes available via a direct SONET-IDLC (integrated digital loop carrier) interface to the switch. The transitional DLC solutions being offered by transmission vendors to address these transitional interoperability concerns are discussed. Steps involving changes in the SONET mapping/format requirements have been ruled out, to avoid jeopardizing SONET-equipment availability and to allow industry to move forward on the generic SONET-IDLC interface at the switch