Collapsing protocol layers for transport networks

Summary form only given. Transport networks are moving from circuit oriented SONET/SDH to packet optical networks with advances in Carrier Ethernet and OTN. We examine the best practices of this migration focusing on how the applications will benefit. Specifically we propose a new set of technology requirements that lead to protocol collapsing thus facilitating intelligence at various layers in the network. Protocol collapsing is discussed in the paper as to how it should be implemented in the most appropriate way, while facilitating a reduction in the total cost of ownership of the network. Application of protocol collapsing to different use cases is also presented.