Avoiding synchronization problems in SDH networks

Avoiding synchronization problems in SDH networks pdf

Network synchronization is a fundamental issue facing installers and maintainers of SDH
equipment. Increasingly complex SDH networks have placed even greater demands on network-wide synchronization, where transmission quality is directly related to the accuracy and performance of network timing.
A timing hierarchy where the primary reference clock (master clock) is poorly distributed to network elements (NEs) lower down the hierarchy can seriously impact network performance. At best, there may be an increase in pointer activity resulting in increased tributary jitter as pointer hits filter down through the network. At worst, excessive pointer activity may lead to the corruption or even loss of payload data.
This application note describes the key measurements required to ensure network synchronization is maintained and discusses the reasons for performing them.