The basic functions of a control plane for an Automatically Switched Optical Network (ASON) are signaling and routing. Signaling is used to create, delete and maintain end-to-end connections. Routing selects the most appropriate path(s). See Figure 9-17, Control plane network with E-NNI connecting to an I-NNI capable core.

The data communications network for transferring control plane information (signaling and routing messages) is called the Signaling Communications Network (SCN). Various logical interfaces (reference points) partition the control plane interfaces into (1) between a user (client) and a service provider (transport network) control domain, named the User Network Interface (UNI), (2) between control domains, named as the External Network-to-Network Interface (ENNI), and (3), within a control domain, named as the Internal Network-to-Network Interface (I-NNI).

Alcatel-Lucent 1665 DMXtend ports can be configured as Traditional, Edge or ENNI.

An E-NNI port is a Network-Network Interface port connected to another E-NNI port in a peer network element in a different domain of the switched network. E-NNI ports run a standardized signaling and routing protocol for the purpose of interworking between control domains. Alcatel-Lucent 1665 DMXtend supports the control plane with E-NNI over the inter-domain links for single node access domain configurations. Allowable ENNI ports are 0x1 and 1+1 ports on the LNW84 and LNW141.

Edge ports work as add/drop ports of end-to-end connections. Allowable Edge ports are DS3/EC1 ports, OC-n ports (all applications), and Private Line VCG ports.

Traditional ports are ports that are not visible to the control plane. Cross-connections are provisioned using existing TL1 commands.

This procedure assumes that the network system has already been established with all nodes of the network properly equipped and operating for standard SONET transmission.

Important!

The port application for the inter-domain E-NNI links must be either 0x1 unprotected or linear 1+1. E-NNI is supported only on the optical ports of the following circuit packs due to the line DCC availability: LNW84 and LNW141.

Provisioning within the core domain for the I-NNI portion of the network is the responsibility of that domain.

You must log in as a Privileged user to complete this procedure.

Prior to performing this procedure:

1. Refer to Before you begin in this chapter.

2. Refer to Laser safety and Electrostatic discharge information in Chapter 1, Safety.

3. Obtain the work instructions for this procedure.

Important!

This procedure assumes that the Alcatel-Lucent 1665 DMXtend shelves and associated network connections have been properly equipped and tested. If the Alcatel-Lucent 1665 DMXtend shelf has not been properly equipped, refer to Chapter 5, Node turnup procedures. If the network has not been properly configured, refer to Chapter 9, Network configuration procedures and to other product documentation, as required.