SONET Structure - Virtual Tributaries Compatibility with lower rate existing digital hierarchies (i.e. T-n and E- n) is achieved via Virtual Tributaries Virtual Tributaries Allow SONET to carry lower rate info (e.9. DS-1) The lower rate (sub-rate) info is mapped into "sections" of an STS-1 frame ‘These sections are each called a virtual tributary The virtual tributaries are independent of each other Each tributary can contain different types of information The STS-1 frame is divided into exactly 7 virtual tributary groups (VTG) VT types (Le. VT1.5, VT2, ...) cannot be mixed within a single VTG Each VTG in an STS-1 frame consists of 108 bytes each (9 rows by 12 columns) VT super-frames are possible There are four virtual tributary sizes (i.e. VT types) defined in SONET A single VTG can carry 4 VT-1.5s. Each is contained in three 9-byte columns ° rows by 3 columns = 27 bytes). V1.5 carries enough bandwidth to transport a DS-1 signal A single VTG can carry 3 VT2s. Each is contained in four 9-byte columns (9 rows by 4 columns = 36 bytes). VT2 carries enough bandwidth to transport an E-1 signal. A single VTG can carry 2 VT3s. Each is contained in six 9-byte columns (9 rows by 6 columns = 54 bytes). VT3 carries enough bandwidth to transport a DS-1C signal. A single VTG can carry 4 VT6. It is contained in twelve 9-byte columns (9 rows by 12 columns = 108 bytes). VT6 carries enough bandwidth to transport a DS-2 signal. The Telecom Source