Automatically switched optical network

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An automatically-switched optical network (ASON) is a network which is based on technology enabling the automatic delivery of transport services. Specifically, an ASON can deliver not only leased-line connections but also other transport services such as soft-permanent and switched optical connections. ASON is a Framework for protection switching. The reutilization can be articulated by GMPLS or some other implementation which adderes the ASON Standard.

Method

A switched connection is set up and released from the management system, which uses network generated signalling and routing protocols to establish the connection. Conversely, a switched connection is set up and released by the customer on demand, still using signalling and routing protocols. Therefore, both the supplier and the customer have a control on each end.

In an ASON each network node should be equipped with a Control plane. The Control plane sets up and releases connections and may restore a connection in case of a failure. The plane can be thought of as a switch.

The standards development organization ITU-T Recommendation G.8080 describes the set of control plane components that are used to manipulate transport network resources. These provide functionalities of setting up, maintaining and releasing the connections.