SONET Line

The SONET line is the span between two LTEs. The LTE pays particular attention to the line overhead bytes of the SONET frame, can add and remove payload, and has more knowledge of the SONET network than the STEs. The LTE does not do the final processing of the SONET payload as does the PTE. The ADM is an LTE.

SONET Path

The SONET path is the span between two PTEs. The PTE is the final destination where the SONET frame is terminated and the payload it carries is processed. A PTE pays particular attention to the path overhead bytes of the SONET frame.