Deploying Optical Networking Components

Book excerpt: Network manager’s practical introduction to optical networking With cheaper bandwidth and greater robustness, optical networking components are looking increasingly tempting—perhaps even mandatory for maintaining your network’s competitiveness. In Deploying Optical Networking Components, veteran communications consultant Gil Held utilizes language and terms already familiar to network managers -- without overwhelming you with optical science -- to help you: * Understand the role of LEDs, lasers, single mode and multimode optical fiber and couplers and amplifiers * Bridge the divide between conventional systems and optical upgrades * Relate optical technologies to existing networks * Evaluate optical components in the context of your existing infrastructure * Apply practical integration and migration techniques in LANs, WANs, and other infrastructure * Familiarize yourself with technical changes in performance measurement, system management, switching technology, support requirements, and other key challenges