Does RPR compete with SONET?
RPR will normally complement SONET. While RPR adds data optimization to existing SONET rings, using the SONET physical structure allows RPR to be carried seamlessly on existing MANs and WANs. SONET performs two distinct functions: a static, time division multiplexing function for adding and dropping traffic to and from the ring; and a transmission function, rich in monitoring and management capabilities. RPR will replace the static time division multiplexing function with a dynamic, packet switching method to perform the add and drop function. Optical Packet Edge continues to use the SONET transport function in order to carry both the TDM and data traffic seamlessly across carrier-grade networks.
