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Technology Training: Communications Courses: Networking Technologies: Optical Technologies

Terminal Objectives:

Upon completion of this course the student will be able to:

• Describe the evolution of fiber optic communications systems
• Describe the operation of a fiber optic network
• List the protocols and technologies used in fiber networks
• Explain wavelength division multiplexing
• Describe the physical limitations of transmission in fiber

Course Type:

The course is taught in class with an instructor. This course is one day in length

Prerequisite:

General data communications knowledge is helpful.

Audience:

• Individuals that need a broad understanding of the key technologies in fiber optic networks
• Individuals working with fiber optic networks or products

Course Description:

This foundation course provides an overview of fiber optic communication systems. The course begins with a description of the principles of light transmission in fiber and the problems encountered. Next is an introduction to the most significant protocols used in optical networks. This is followed with a description of the techniques and technologies used for wavelength division multiplexing. The course ends with a look at the latest in optical switching and multiplexing technologies.

Course Outline:

Introduction to Fiber Optics

• Enabling technologies
• Basic principle of transmission in fiber
• Major applications for fiber
• Terminology

Transmission in Fiber

• Key characteristics of light
• Index of refraction
• Polarization
• Total internal reflection
• Numerical aperture
• Multimode transmission
• Single mode transmission
• Fiber types
• LEDs and laser diodes for transmission
• Photodiodes

Transmission impairments

• Introduction
• Attenuation
• Causes of attenuation
• Power budgets
• Modal dispersion
• Managing modal dispersion
• Chromatic dispersion
• Managing chromatic dispersion
• Polarization-mode dispersion
• Managing PMD
• Bandwidth budgets

Protocols for Optical Networks

• SONET
• Key SONET characteristics
• SONET framing and multiplexing
• Error monitoring in SONET
• SONET rings
• Gigabit Ethernet
• 1000BASE-SX and LX
• Other fiber protocols

Wavelength Division Multiplexing

• WDM principles
• Benefits of WDM
• Fiber transmission windows
• Dense WDM
• ITU wavelength grid
• Coarse WDM

WDM Transmission Issues

• Optical amplification
• Erbium-doped fiber amplifiers
• Deployment of EDFAs
• Ramen amplifiers
• Semiconductor optical amplifiers
• Non-linear effects
• Managing non-linear effects

Optical Multiplexing and Switching

• Introduction
• Wavelength multiplexing and demultiplexing
• Multiplexing technologies
• Optical add/drop multiplexers
• Switching technologies
• OEO switching
• Transparent optical switching