Today, networks are evolving to be scalable and have ever-increasing intelligence built into them, thanks to tremendous technical advances in optics, electronics, software, and professional know-how. Optical Network Standards is a single-source reference work on the specifications of networks at all levels - from components through systems to global networks, their management and services they offer. It comprises more than 25 chapters written by expert authors who are collectively responsible for generating the standards and their implementations. Key topics covered here include - harmonization and design of networks to deliver on-demand services crucial to day to day operations; architecture of optical-transport networks; optimization of SONET/SDH infra-structure for data centric services; GFP, VCAT and LCAS; distributed intelligent management and control; ASON and GMPLS; and more.

Includes recently approved adopted and implemented standards for versatile switches, routers and multi-service provisioning platforms. Numerous illustrative examples showing actual situations or cases implemented. Covers the activities of all the major optical networking standards bodies and forums (ITU-T, IETF, MEF, and OIF).