A simple data link (SDL) protocol for next generation packet network

The simple data link (SDL) is a new framing protocol for variable/fixed len gth packets over a general-purpose point-to-point communications channel. S DL extends the HEC-like framing mechanism used in ATM to variable-length da ta, Its low implementation complexity makes it particularly suitable for hi gh-speed transport links in wavelength channels and dark fiber applications . SDL is a very attractive alternative to conventional solutions such as AT M and PPP-over-SONET (POS) for high data rate environments. SDL has also be en designed to facilitate many OAM&P functions needed in next generation mu ltiservice optical packet networks including multiprotocol encapsulation, v irtual links, quality-of-service(QoS) differentiation, link management, and control. In this paper we describe framing and data link synchronization p rocedures in SDL, and evaluate its performance over octet and bit synchrono us transport facilities.