Alternative multiplexing and transmission strategies for interoffice optical networks

A fundamental multiplexing and transmission issue associated with interoffice optical transmission-how traffic originating in one central office (CO) and terminating in another should be handled at intermediate sites-is addressed. Using specific network examples, as well as a general analysis of linear chains of COs, major quantitative and qualitative differences between two alternative strategies are identified. The relative difference in installed first costs between the strategies is further evaluated in terms of their sensitivity to cost trends in fiber and electronics. The general conclusion drawn is that based on several criteria such as relative first cost, uniformity of fiber cross sections, optical repeater requirements, and applications of efficient high bit rate multiplexers, a cascaded multiplexing strategy is preferable to a dedicated multiplexing strategy. However, where route growth and diversity are primary considerations, dedicated multiplexing is more economical on a first-cost basis