Metropolitan area optical networks

Presented the requirements, architectures, and performance of optical MANs. We outlined our considerations about the evolution of metro area networks from SONET rings to transparent WDM rings. We also described the major transport impairments that the network designer should account for in transparent WDM MANs. A properly engineered network utilizing application-optimized components and fiber will enable the buildup of cost-effective metro/regional WDM optical networks that satisfy all the requirements and demands.