Function Structure of the ASON

ASON NE

An ASON NE is one of the topology components in the ASON. An ASON NE has the following functions in relation to a traditional NE. See Figure 2.

Figure 2 ASON NE

Node ID is the unique identification of the ASON NE in the control plane. The format of the node ID is the same as that of the IP address. But the node ID and the IP address of the NE must be at different network sections.

As a unique identification for NEs on the transport plane, the node ID has the same meaning regarding an ASON NE and a traditional NE.

The node ID, the NE ID, and the NE IP address are independent of one another.

TE Link

TE link is a traffic engineering link. The ASON NE sends its bandwidth information to other ASON NEs through the TE link to provide data for route computation.

If the ODUk SPRing is configured in an ASON network, the TE links within the ODUk SPRing can be divided into working resource and protection resources, while those without ODUk SPRing protection are non-protection resources.

ASON Domain

An ASON domain is a subset of a network, which is classified by function for the purpose of route selection and management. An ASON domain consists of several ASON NEs and TE links. One ASON NE belongs to one ASON domain.

SPC

In the case of soft permanent connection (SPC), the connection between the user and the transmission network is configured directly by the NM. The connection within the transmission network, however, is requested by the NM and then created by the NE's control plane through signaling. When ASON service is mentioned, it usually refers to SPC.

Permanent connection (PC) is a service connection calculated beforehand and then created through the NM by issuing a command to NE.

Switched connection (SC) is a service connection requested by a terminal user (for example, a router) and is then created in the ASON control plane through signaling.

NOTICE:

iManager U2000 Web LCT only supports SPC and PC. SC is not supported at present.