SDH, or Synchronous Digital Hierarchy, is a standardized digital network transmission technology used mainly in telecommunications to efficiently transmit large amounts of data over long distances. Developed in the late 1980s, SDH is the international equivalent of the North American SONET (Synchronous Optical Network) system. It is based on a hierarchical architecture that employs "containers" to encapsulate and carry different data rates, providing flexibility in sharing bandwidth among multiple users.
SDH uses optical fiber as the transmission medium, which allows for high-speed data transmission over long distances with minimal signal degradation. It supports various transmission rates, such as STM-1 (Synchronous Transport Module level 1) to STM-64, providing scalable and flexible bandwidth allocation. This makes SDH an ideal technology for backbone networks, where high-speed and reliable connectivity is critical.
One of the key features of SDH is its ability to synchronize the transmission of data using a clock signal, ensuring reliable and efficient transmission. It monitors the quality and integrity of the transmitted data through error detection, fault management, and performance monitoring. SDH also supports various protection mechanisms, such as ring or path protection, to ensure network resilience and availability.
Overall, SDH is a robust and widely used technology for high-capacity data transmission in telecommunications networks. It offers reliable, flexible, and scalable connectivity with high-speed capabilities, making it crucial for global communication infrastructure.
