Data & Optical Solutions

Up to the 90s data networks often consisted of proprietary system components that could only be connected at very high costs. X.25 was one of the first cross-system protocols that made global data exchange secure and inexpensive. But X.25 only offered transmission rates of about 64kbit/s.

To realize considerably higher bandwidths, more efficient protocols were developed, which were designed to combine great bandwidths with the compatibility of X.25 and should facilitate new applications. The results are FrameRelay, ATM and intelligent IP-routers and switches that are connected together to global data networks across networks by different operators.

Modern networks mostly consist of 3 layers that differ in their specific tasks. The lowest layer transmits very high bandwidths without specific routing characteristics and is realized by SDH and/or DWDM. The second layer is generally called Routing/Switching Layer and realized by FrameRelay, ATM and IP. Modern MS-switches support these protocols and furthermore offer seamless cooperation of ATM and IP by means of MPLS. In addition, they offer voice functions on TDM or IP basis, rounding off the Multiservice Portfolio. A further advantage is the fact that the operator can thus offer a variety of services with one hardware platform and at the same time keep the network's operating ratio as near as possible to optimum.

The third layer can be called Application Layer and uses the capacities of the second layer to realize specific services.

To sum up, we can say that by means of standardizing protocols such as ATM and IP and the comprehensive service portfolio of modern MS-switches, global data networks can be established, which provide a service in defined and consistent quality, incorporating different network operators.