3 SDH Multiplex Structure

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3.1 Multiplex Structure............................................................................................. 3

3.2 The Tributary Unit Group TUG-2 (1/2) ................................................................ 4
3.2 The Tributary Unit Group TUG-2 (2/2) ................................................................ 5
3.3 The Tributary Unit Group TUG-3 (1/2) ................................................................ 6
3.3 The Tributary Unit Group TUG-3 (2/2) ................................................................ 7
3.4 Virtual Container VC-4........................................................................................ 8
3.5 Summary............................................................................................................ 9

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3.1 Multiplex Structure

After looking at the transport units for the payload, let's now get acquainted with the
different payload structures in the STM-1 frame. The basis for our understanding is
the multiplex structure we already know. In Europe the following data bit rates are in
use: 140, 34 and 2 Mbit/s. In Europe, there are no bit rates in use for the transport
modules VC-2 and VC-11. For this reason, we will not consider them any further.

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3.2 The Tributary Unit Group TUG-2 (1/2)

Now let's look more closely at the remaining structures and the multiplexing of the
payload data. As a starting point we consider the container C-12, within which a 2
Mbit/s signal is transported. By adding a path overhead and generating a pointer for
the localisation of the virtual container VC-12, the tributary unit TU-12 is developed.
Three of these TU-12 tributary units are multiplexed into one tributary unit group
TUG-2.

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3.2 The Tributary Unit Group TUG-2 (2/2)

Now let's look more exactly at the multiplexing of three TU-12 into one TUG-2.
Every TU-12 tributary unit has a size of 4 columns by 9 rows. This corresponds to a
total capacity of 36 bytes. The tributary unit group TUG-2 is loaded byte by byte.
Following this multiplexing scheme, bytes are inserted column by column. The
procedure of filling the next higher data structure byte by byte is called byte
interleaving. The TUG-2 has a size of 12 columns by 9 rows. This represents a
capacity of 108 bytes.

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3.3 The Tributary Unit Group TUG-3 (1/2)

But what happens next to the TUG-2 Tributary Unit Group? In the next step seven
TUG-2 Tributary Unit Groups are multiplexed into one TUG-3 Tributary Unit Group.
This is performed with byte interleaving as we've seen in the TUG-2 multiplex
scheme. One TUG-3 tributary unit group has a size of 86 columns by 9 rows. Total
capacity is therefore 86 bytes times 9 or 774 bytes.
After these TUG-2 are inserted into the TUG-3, in the first 3 bytes we will find the so
called Null Pointer Indicator (NPI). This pointer indicates, that the 7 TUG-2s are
located at defined positions within the TUG-3 due to the same phases of TUG-2 and
TUG-3. The remaining 15 bytes are filled with padding data. These are also called
fixed stuff.

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3.3 The Tributary Unit Group TUG-3 (2/2)

But there is another way to insert user data into the TUG-3. A glance at the
multiplexing scheme shows that instead of 7 TUG-2s, one tributary unit TU-3 may
be inserted. The container C-3 has enough capacity to transport a 34 Mbit/s bearer.
By adding padding data, a path overhead POH and generating a TU-3 pointer, a
tributary transport unit TU-3 is developed.
The TU-3 will be included into the tributary unit group TUG-3. The first 3 bytes of the
TUG-3 contain the TU-3 pointer. This points to the beginning of the virtual container
VC-3. The pointer bytes are called H1, H2 and H3.

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3.4 Virtual Container VC-4

Three TUG-3 tributary unit groups are multiplexed into one virtual container VC-4.
The multiplexing procedure is again byte interleaving. Alternatively one container C4 containing a 140 Mbit/s bearer can be included into one Virtual Container VC-4.
The virtual container VC-4 is included in the payload section of the synchronous
transport module STM-1.
Now let's have a closer look at the STM-1 frame and the incorporated VC-4
container. The VC-4 and the AU-4 pointer together make up the administration unit
group AU-4.

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3.5 Summary

Finally, let's sumarize the complete payload structure within the STM-1 frame.
One STM-1 frame can carry one Virtual Container VC-4.
Three TUG-3 Tribuatary Unit Groups are multiplexed into the VC-4 Virtual
Container.
Each TUG-3 can carry 7 TUG-2s and each TUG-2 can carry three VC-12s.
By means of the AU and TU pointers it's possible to locate all payload containers
within the STM-1 frame.

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