Generic Framing Procedure (GFP)

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Abstract
Generic Framing Procedure (GFP) was developed to allow efficient transport of packet data through SONET/SDH networks, making use of the new virtual concatenation and LCAS technologies for creating flexible-sized transport channels. Although a competing approach, explored by some start-up carriers, attempted to use a pure packet network (e.g., an Ethernet WAN), the conversion from a SONET/SDH backbone network to an Ethernet backbone would have been cost-prohibitive and would not have provided the desired integrated OAM&P capabilities. GFP technology allowed efficient packet transport within the existing SONET/SDH backbone and, thus, is very attractive to carriers.
This white paper details the GFP technology in depth, as it is currently not covered in any existing textbooks.

About PMC
PMC-Sierra™ is a leading provider of high speed broadband communications and storage semiconductors and MIPS-Powered™ processors for Enterprise, Access, Metro Optical Transport, Storage Area Networking and Wireless network equipment. The company offers worldwide technical and sales support, including a network of offices throughout North America, Europe and Asia. The company is publicly traded on the NASDAQ Stock Market under the PMCS symbol and is included in the S&P 500 Index.

About the Author
Steve Gorshe, Ph.D. is a Principal Engineer in the Product Research Group and oversees ICs for SONET, optical transmission and access systems.
Currently Steve is a senior member of the IEEE and co-editor for the IEEE Communications magazine's Broadband Access Series. He is the chief editor for the ANSI T1X1 Subcommittee, which is responsible for SONET and optical network interface standards. He is a recent recipient of the Committee T1 Alvin Lai Outstanding Achievement Award for his standards work and has been a technical editor for T1.105, T1.105.01, T1.105.02, and T1.105.07 within the SONET standard series as well as the ITU-T G.7041 (GFP) G.7043 (Virtual concatenation of PDH signals), G.8040 (GFP mapping into PDH signals), and G.8011.1 (Ethernet Private Line Service) recommendations. He has 26 patents issued or pending and several published papers.

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