Amplify signals in the optical domain (regeneration); repeaters amplify after conversion to the electric domain. A single amplifier can simultaneously amplify all wavelengths. Basic types of amplifiers: Erbium-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFAs), semiconductor optical amplifiers (SOAs) and Raman amplifiers. An EDFA is a fiber segment, a few meter long. Raman amplifier is based on the nonlinear optical effect. While EDFAs provide a large gain over a short distance, the Raman amplifier provides a small gain over a large distance (and requires long fibers with high-power pump lasers).
Published in Chapter:
Trends, Optimization and Management of Optical Networks
Jadranka Skorin-Kapov (Stony Brook University, USA) and Darko Skorin-Kapov (Adelphi University, USA)
Copyright: © 2009
|Pages: 16
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-60566-194-0.ch060
Abstract
Due to the enormous proliferation of internet traffic, including video on demand and transfer of datarich documents, the use of optical networking is mandatory, resulting with high capacity and speed as needed. In this chapter we review optical networking, its current issues, trends, and ways to efficiently design and manage a wide range of optical networks. We address the following: an overview of optical networking (including its current capabilities, virtual versus physical topology, optical node components), placement of “special equipment” nodes and components, and design of network topology. Efficient management and utilization of geographically different networks (such as wide area networks, metro networks, and access networks) present different optimization problems dealing with the placement of special optical equipment. We summarize current algorithmic approaches and suggest possibilities for further research.