Wavelength domain optical network techniques

Optical network technology will soon allow wavelength-multiplexed optical channels to be carried to multiple terminals, giving rise to new broadband network architectures and protocols. Two stages of evolution are anticipated, with transmission-only structures appearing first and networks with optical switching appearing later. Some basic transmission considerations relating to system operation over wide optical bandwidths for both local and longer distance networks are reviewed, and the present status of experimental optical networks and the components they use are discussed