Before the 1980s, telecommunications networks lacked the technologies necessary to increase network quality while reducing the costs. However, since then, Optical networks provide innovative technologies which increase capacity and reduce costs for applications such as the Internet and advanced digital services. In order to construct a better understanding of Optical networking, one must examine the key functions, current technologies, markets and demand, and restoration of this technological revolution.
Prior to emerging optical networks into the market, some key unctions and novel technologies must be implemented. Primarily, wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) was developed around 1994 in the form of Broadband WDM. WDM maximizes space by using fused bionic tapered couplers to combine two signals to the same fiber. The couplers offer two times the bandwidth from the same fiber which prevents the installation of a new fiber. Since strong limitations were placed on technologies when Broadband WDM was introduced, signal frequencies were required to be separated therefore allowing more space on one fiber.
Furthermore, perhaps he most critical aspect of optical networks is the technology of optical amplifiers. This technology works by intertwining small strands of fiber and rare earth metals such as erbium in order to amplify the optical signals without referring the signal back to an electrical state (www. iec. org). Although optical amplifiers have improved in quality and power over the years, they continue to lower costs. Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) is another current technology that enhances the capabilities of Optical networking.
DWDM uses optical filters and aser technology to combine two or more wavelengths on one fiber. Execution of this system allows networks to lend an assortment of bit rates and channels over a single fiber (www. iec. org). Moreover, Optical networks are driven by numerous different factors. For instance, the need for more fiber capacity became one of the reasons for developing Optical networks. Providers were seeking greater capacity with higher bit rates and fiber in order to avoid the installation of more fiber which would require increased labor costs.
Additionally, perhaps the ost obvious reason for the demand in Optical networking is the desire to reduce costs. Optical networks allow only the wavelengths associated with the network to transport traffic to the corresponding electrical nodes. Thus, the provider saves a significant amount of money on equipment and network management therefore allowing more focus on the quality of the product. Furthermore, wavelength services are extremely appealing to the provider; these services present the provider with the opportunity to increase revenue and productivity.
In other words, providers are able to esell bandwidth instead of reselling fiber thus reducing labor costs. Once the planning and design is employed, one must determine the prospective markets for Optical networking. Given the diversity of Optical networking, it is apparent that potential markets also differ. For example, long-haul networks rely on Optical networking due to their high bandwidth requirements and long spans between nodes. As one of the first markets to utilize Optical networks, long-haul networks were able to increase their fiber capacity while reducing their costs.
On the other and, metro interoffice networks (IOF) have different requirements for optical technologies due to their internal structures and geographic locations. However, IOF forces the optical network to execute through a more intricate process; because of location and traffic patterns, rings and cross-connects are required much earlier. Moreover, business-access networks provide businesses with connections to the telecommunications infrastructure (www. iec. org). Thus, many complications arise when dealing with these networks; different cost structures, variable bit-rate interfaces, and different capacity needs.
Perhaps the most critical process with any product is the prevention of any potential dilemmas. As Optical networking continues to develop, the concept of restoration becomes essential. Restoration is the process by which protection for the wavelengths is provided by the optical nodes. Restoration is preformed in the optical layer which reduces costs because it eliminates the need for extensive protection for electrical systems. Also, the use of restoration provides enhanced utilization of the wavelengths. The most comprehensive method of restoration seems to be the link method.
This restoration provides protection against equipment or fiber malfunctions by assigning alternate links between sites. However, because link restoration is only applicable for a single link failure, it does not provide maximum protection for multiple failures. Regardless of the type of restoration, it appears to be an effective way to prevent the failure of a network or product. Furthermore, once the optical networks are established and targeted for a market, providers must establish guidelines to maintain the efficiency of the product; this if often referred to as network management.
One responsibility of network management is to monitor the restoration process to ensure that there are no conflicts between the electrical and optical layer. In addition, the network management program should be able to monitor the signal performance from each wavelength. In other words, network management systems must be able to guide the providers in troubleshooting the network. Moreover, the network management system is expected to not only manage, but provide new services to customers in a timely fashion.
Despite limited network capacity, network management ystems are designed to maximize the provider’s bandwidth revenues. As the demand for Optical networking increases, fresh ideas will continue to arise. Consumers will eventually be able to cut costs dramatically while increasing their networking capabilities. As competition among computer networking companies grows, we will be one step closer to a world with end-to-end wavelength services. Until then, the innovative technologies implanted with Optical networking provide a strong foundation when it comes to maximizing networking capabilities and minimizing expenses.