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Unit of study_

ELEC5512: Optical Networks

This unit builds upon the fundamentals of optical communication introduced in ELEC3405 (Communications Electronics and Photonics). It focuses on photonic network architectures and protocols, network design, enabling technologies and the drivers for intelligent optical network. Students will learn how to analyse and design optical networks and optical components. Introduction, photonic network architectures: point to point, star, ring, mesh; system principles: modulation formats, link budgets, optical signal to noise ratio, dispersion, error rates, optical gain and regeneration; wavelength division multiplexed networks; WDM components: optical filters, gratings, multiplexers, demultiplexers, wavelength routers, optical crossconnects, wavelength converters, WDM transmitters and receivers; Wavelength switched/routed networks, ultra high speed TDM, dispersion managed links, soliton systems; broadcast and distribution networks, multiple access, subcarrier multiplexed lightwave video networks, optical local area and metropolitan area networks; protocols for photonic networks: IP, Gbit Ethernet, SDH/SONET, FDDI, ATM, Fibre Channel.

Code ELEC5512
Academic unit Electrical and Information Engineering
Credit points 6
Prerequisites:
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None
Corequisites:
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None
Prohibitions:
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None
Assumed knowledge:
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Knowledge of digital communications, wave propagation, and fundamental optics

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. demonstrate understanding of photonic packet switched networks and design considerations to the extent of the material presented
  • LO2. demonstrate proficiency in assessing the capabilities and the principles of operation of various optical components which are used in today's networks, using the techniques presented in the course
  • LO3. demonstrate an understanding of wavelength routing and switching and how it can be utilized to increase the capacity of a network
  • LO4. describe the interaction between various layers in the network using the in-depth technical skills developed
  • LO5. demonstrate an understanding of different generations of optical networks and their characteristics using concepts and principles developed or presented
  • LO6. solve problems related to optical network design and analyze the effect of various parameters in the performance of the system.