SONET/SDH pointer processor implementations

SONET/SDH is replacing PDH because it offers additional features and reduced equipment cost. As the actual introduction of SDH equipment commences, interworking problems due to deficiencies in the context of network synchronization and timing are becoming apparent. This is due to deficiencies in pointer processor implementations which result in severe compatibility problems where interworking with client networks (like the PSTN) is required. It is shown, that by improving the pointer processor design-with a negligible impact on its cost-PDH-like transmission characteristics (jitter, wander) can be achieved resulting in a cheaper network solution with better performance.