GUI based computer modeling and design platform to promote interactive learning in fiber optic communications

In this paper, we explain a graphical user interface (GUI) based computer modeling and design platform that has been developed to teach students about the current industry design practice in optical communications and to promote interactive learning in our senior/graduate level fiber optic communications course. We give an introduction to the quasi-analytical system level design practice in fiber optical communications. We then explain our developed software tool with emphasis on the underlining component and system models, on the tool usage, and on how to apply the software platform to university teaching inside and outside of the classroom. We finally use an example to illustrate the design of 7 times 80 Gb/s wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) system with orthogonal launch on our developed software platform. The developed software platform could shorten students´ learning curve, help students understand modeling of hardware components, system design procedures and tradeoffs, and increase students´ learning interest and creativity.