The role of data networking in the management of BT's SDH network

This paper outlines the history behind the current realisation of the management data communications network for synchronous digital hierarchy (SDH), explaining the various international standards inputs, supplier implementations and illustrating the architecture employed. Message addressing methods are discussed together with the protocols over which they are used. The dimensioning of this network is a key issue of ongoing discussion and impacts the provisioning rates and response times for SDH.