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The Abcs of Fiber Optic Communication 1St Edition Sudhir Warier Online Ebook Texxtbook Full Chapter PDF
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Photonics / Communications
WARIER
This unique, practical handbook is the only one of its kind to provide
the conceptual framework and troubleshooting tactics related to the
manufacturing, selection, and installation of optical fiber plants for designing
The ABCs
and deploying modern photonic networks. It discusses optical transceivers,
of Fiber Optic
while covering the entire fiber ecosystem from installation to troubleshooting.
This book presents the use of standard tools like laser source and power
meter (LPM) to overcome common issues related to optical patching and fiber
Communication
plants and also discusses the use of specialized tools including the optical time
domain reflectometer (OTDR) for issues with fiber plants and locating fiber
breaks. Readers gain an understanding of the architecture of core TDM, IP, and
optical access networks including PON. Specific methodologies are explored
for assessing OTN, DWDM, IP/MPLS, optical access networks– PON/GPON or
FTTx networks. Key parameters that influence the choice of fiber based on
the network and application type are discussed. This book also provides an
overview of the current and future developments in optical fibers, interfaces, SUDHIR WARIER
transceivers, and backbone networks.
“The contents of the book truly reflect the ABCs of optical fiber technology.
The book, an immense help to beginners and experts, provides an insight
to the latest technology in its entirety while educating in the most simplistic
manner what the next decade would unfold in terms of technology and
its horizons.”
– Vinod Hingorani, Regional Director, South Asia, Telecom Italia Sparkle
ARTECH HOUSE
BOSTON I LONDON
www.artechhouse.com
WARIER
This unique, practical handbook is the only one of its kind to provide
the conceptual framework and troubleshooting tactics related to the
manufacturing, selection, and installation of optical fiber plants for designing
The ABCs
and deploying modern photonic networks. It discusses optical transceivers,
of Fiber Optic
while covering the entire fiber ecosystem from installation to troubleshooting.
This book presents the use of standard tools like laser source and power
meter (LPM) to overcome common issues related to optical patching and fiber
Communication
plants and also discusses the use of specialized tools including the optical time
domain reflectometer (OTDR) for issues with fiber plants and locating fiber
breaks. Readers gain an understanding of the architecture of core TDM, IP, and
optical access networks including PON. Specific methodologies are explored
for assessing OTN, DWDM, IP/MPLS, optical access networks– PON/GPON or
FTTx networks. Key parameters that influence the choice of fiber based on
the network and application type are discussed. This book also provides an
overview of the current and future developments in optical fibers, interfaces, SUDHIR WARIER
transceivers, and backbone networks.
“The contents of the book truly reflect the ABCs of optical fiber technology.
The book, an immense help to beginners and experts, provides an insight
to the latest technology in its entirety while educating in the most simplistic
manner what the next decade would unfold in terms of technology and
its horizons.”
– Vinod Hingorani, Regional Director, South Asia, Telecom Italia Sparkle
ARTECH HOUSE
BOSTON I LONDON
www.artechhouse.com
Sudhir Warier
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
A catalog record for this book is available from the U.S. Library of Congress.
All rights reserved. Printed and bound in the United States of America. No part of this book
may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including
photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission
in writing from the publisher.
All terms mentioned in this book that are known to be trademarks or service marks have been
appropriately capitalized. Artech House cannot attest to the accuracy of this information. Use of
a term in this book should not be regarded as affecting the validity of any trademark or service
mark.
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
To my family
Contents
Preface xix
Acknowledgments xxi
Part 1
The Conceptual Framework 1
1.6 Scales 12
1.6.1 Logarithmic Scales 13
vii
viii The ABCs of Fiber Optic Communication
1.9 Dispersion 20
1.11 Summary 23
1.13 Review 25
1.13.1 Review Questions 25
1.13.2 Exercises 26
1.13.3 Research Activities 27
2.2 Introduction 30
2.11 Summary 49
2.12 Review 50
2.12.1 Review Questions 50
2.12.2 Exercises 52
2.12.3 Research Activities 52
3.2 Introduction 56
3.8 Summary 85
3.9 Review 86
3.9.1 Review Questions 86
3.9.2 Exercises 88
3.9.3 Research Activities 88
x The ABCs of Fiber Optic Communication
4.2 Introduction 92
Part 2
Optical Network Architectures 115
Part 3
Operation, Maintainance, and Troubleshooting
of Optical Networks 215
Appendix 267
Acronyms 269
Index 283
Preface
This book is the result of my desire to share, with fellow engineers and tech-
nicians, my experience in maintaining and troubleshooting optical fiber net-
works. I have had unique and varied exposure, for more than 22 years, in the
fields of computer hardware, data networking, and telecommunications, span-
ning the entire value chain from network planning, installation and commis-
sioning, operations and maintenance, troubleshooting, optimization, learning
and development, to talent and competency management.
The economic development and the liberalization of the telecom sector
facilitated the entry of new players in the market with the resultant investments
creating a huge employment basket. This is especially true with the world’s larg-
est telecom markets—China and India. However, there is a major knowledge
gap, vis-à-vis the formal education imparted in engineering colleges and the
needs of the industry. These rapid technological developments in the fields of
semiconductor engineering, fiber-optic technology, as well as computer net-
works, broadband, and telecommunication engineering has widened the gap
between the needs of the industry and the academic offerings.
Thus, most of the telecom technicians/engineers learned the tricks of the
trade on the job itself. As a result, many of these technicians/engineers as well as
managers knew “how” to tackle a problem, but not necessarily “why.” Most of
the books available in the market provide a mathematical treatise on the subject
thus alienating it from the masses. The lack of suitable reference books also hin-
dered the inclusion the practical aspects of installing, maintaining, and trouble-
shooting optical fiber networks from the syllabi of most technology schools.
xix
xx The ABCs of Fiber Optic Communication
The architecture of the network, the interfaces, transmitters, and receivers have
undergone a sea of change over the past few years. Even as I write this book,
new innovative technologies and products are fast replacing existing ones. In
addition, there is no single book that provides the conceptual framework as
well as the latest technology offerings in optical fibers, network architecture,
interfaces, lasers, and receivers networks.
This book attempts to provide a systematic progression from the core
concepts to the practical aspects covering the entire gamut of activities associ-
ated with the setup, maintenance, and troubleshooting of modern photonic
networks. This book is unique in its presentation. The theoretical concepts of
light transmission through a fiber, types of fiber, key parameters of a fiber, opti-
cal interfaces, testing tools and techniques, practical guide for maintaining and
troubleshooting fiber networks and systems, along with the architecture and
components of synchronous digital hierarchy, optical transport networks, Inter-
net protocol (IP)/multiprotocol lable switching (MPLS) core and dense wave-
length division multiplexing are presented in this concise and well-illustrated
text. The book also presents the optical access networks including fiber to the x
(FTTx), passive optical networks and its various flavors.
This book would be useful to all individuals associated with data net-
working, cable television, and telecom industries, irrespective of their function-
al role—planning, engineering, network management and operations, instal-
lation, and commissioning, as well as operations and maintenance. This book
will be especially relevant, as a practical handbook, to the massive technical
workforce tasked with installation and maintenance of our vast optical net-
works and as a reference text for graduates, postgraduates, and diploma students
of allied engineering disciplines.
Happy reading!
Acknowledgments
xxi
Part 1
3
4 The ABCs of Fiber Optic Communication
Key Topics
The measurement unit chosen depends upon the application context. The
amount of energy is directly proportional to the frequency, which is inversely
proportional to the wavelength. Wavelength refers to the distance between two
similar points on successive waves. As highlighted in the previous section, elec-
tromagnetic spectrum includes [1]:
Fundamentals of Optical Communication 5
1. Gamma rays;
2. X-rays;
3. Ultraviolet rays;
4. Visible spectrum;
5. Infrared rays;
6. Microwaves;
7. Radio waves.
1. Intensity;
2. Direction of propagation;
3. Frequency/wavelength;
4. Speed;
5. Polarization.
The concepts of optical power are covered in detail later in this chapter.
Wavelength refers to the distance over which the shape of a wave repeats.
This concept is illustrated in Figure 1.1.
As observed in the Figure 1.1, wavelength is a measure of the distance
between the repetitions of a wave (peaks or troughs). The measurement units
are meters and its sub units—millimetres, micrometres, and nanometres, de-
pendent upon the frequency of the waves under consideration.
The wavelength of a waveform (traveling at a constant speed) is provided
by the following equation:
λ = v/f
Where λ refers to the wavelength and v is referred to as the phase speed of the
waveform under consideration having a frequency of f.
The speed of light in vacuum is denoted by c and is taken to be 3 * 108
meters/sec.
Example 1.1
Calculate the wavelength of an electromagnetic wave of 112 MHz.
In case of electromagnetic radiation (light) traveling through space the
phase speed
V = 3 * 108 meters/sec.
f = 112 MHz
Therefore wavelength can be calculated as:
λ = 3 * 108 /1.12 * 108 = 2.68 meters
Where Θ is the angle measured from the normal of the boundaries of the two
medium, V is the velocity of light in mps within the respective medium, and n
refers to the refractive indices of the respective medium. sinΘ1 and sinΘ2 refers
to the angles of incidence and refraction respectively [3].
The refractive index (RI) of a material describes the manner in which light
propagates through a medium other than free space. Since the RI is a ratio of
two variables, there are no dimensions attached to it. RI can be defined by the
following formula:
(RI) = n = c/v
1. The RI of the medium is a measure for how much the speed of light
is reduced as it passes through the medium. For example, if a medium
has an RI of 2, then a ray of light passing through it would travel at
1/2 = 0.5 times the speed in air or vacuum.
2. The angle of incidence (Øi) is the angle at which the ray of light
strikes the medium with reference to the normal (line perpendicular
to the surface of the medium).
3. Transmission of light over a distance necessitates the use of a wave
guide or a channel over which the rays of light can propagate. A fiber
optic cable, also referred to as optical fiber, is the most commonly used
medium for light transmission. The details of the different types of
optical fibers are included in Chapter 2.
4. Optical fibers are made of glass, plastic (generally used for multimode
fibres). or both and contain an inner conductor, referred to as core,
surrounded by an outer conductor referred to as cladding. The RI of
the core is greater than that of the cladding.
5. The transmission of a ray of light through an optical fiber or fiber optic
cable (FOC) is due to the principle of total internal reflection (TIR).
This is based on Snell’s law, which determines the effect on light inci-
dent on a medium. The law states that the angle at which light is re-
flected is dependent on the RI of the two media under consideration.
In the case of an optical fiber, these are the core and the cladding. The
lower RI of the cladding (with respect to the core) causes the light to
be angled back into the core.
1. If the angle of incidence is less than the critical angle, the ray of light
incident on the core of a fiber will get refracted through the cladding.
2. If the angle of incidence is equal to the critical angle, the ray of light
incident on the core of a fiber will travel along the boundary of the
core and cladding. The ray would be weakly guided and likely to be
refracted from the fiber at some point in time.
3. If the angle of incidence is greater than the critical angle, then the
ray of light incident on the core of a fiber will undergo total internal
reflection and propagate through the fiber.
10 The ABCs of Fiber Optic Communication
1. Medicinal (endoscopes);
2. Fiber diagnostic techniques (fiberscope);
3. Sensors;
4. Optical instruments;
5. Fingerprinting devices.
C = 2B log2 Ln
Where:
C = Channel capacity in bps
B = Bandwidth (Hertz)
log2 = Logarithmic scale to the base 2
L = Number of signal levels
n = Number of bits per symbol
Fundamentals of Optical Communication 11
C = 2 B log2 (1 + SNR)
Where:
C = Channel capacity in bps
B = Bandwidth (Hertz)
log2 = Logarithmic scale to the base 2
SNR = Signal-to-noise ratio
The data rate of a communication channel is dependent on three factors:
1. Available bandwidth;
2. Signal levels;
3. Quality of the communication channel (noise levels).
Note 1
The number of signal levels employed has a direct co-relation with an increase
in the probability of occurrence of errors (due to the decrease in spacing be-
tween the signals).
Example 1.2
Compute the maximum bit rate of a communication channel with a bandwidth
of 2500 Hz transmitting a signal with three levels. Assume that the channel is
noiseless.
The maximum bit rate (MBR) of a noiseless channel can be computed by
using the Nyquist theorem.
C = 2B log 2 Ln
B = 2500 Hz
L=3
MBR = C = 2 * 2500 * log 2 3
= 2 * 2500 *1.584
= 7920 bps
12 The ABCs of Fiber Optic Communication
Note 2
Use online logarithmic scales for calculations (e.g., http://logbase2.blogspot.
in).
Example 1.3
A signal of 372 Kbps needs to be transmitted over a communication channel
with a bandwidth of 30 kHz. How many signal levels would be required to
transmit the signal, assuming that the channel is noiseless?
Since the channel is assumed to be noiseless, Nyquist theorem would be
applicable. Accordingly:
C = 2B log 2 Ln
C = 372 kbps = 372,000 bps
B = 30 kHz = 30000 Hz
372,000 = 2 * 30000 * log 2 L
log 2L = 372,000 60,000 = 6.2
L = 26.2 = 73.51
1. Reduce the bit rate (e.g., 360 kbps, which will result in a signal level
that is a power of 2).
2. Increase the number of levels. The next highest power of 2 would cor-
respond to 128 levels. This would increase the bit rate to:
1.6 Scales
Scale is a technique used for arranging, measuring, or quantifying events or
objects or figures in a specific sequence. Linear scales are used commonly to
represent data, due to its inherently simplistic usage. However, such scales are
useful only when the data to be represented is within a small range. The scales
represent the information in uniform intervals that may result in improper con-
clusions, especially when working with large data sets. Exponential changes in
a data set cannot be represented by linear scales.
Fundamentals of Optical Communication 13
Example 1.4
A $5 increase in the price of a commodity whose original price was $10 rep-
resents a 50 percent increase (from $10 to $15), while an increase of $5 in the
price of a commodity whose original price was $20 represents a 25 percent
increase only (from $20 to $25).
This change may not be apparent in a chart using a linear scale, since
the prices are depicted as equidistant points on the scale. Linear scales can be
broadly classified as:
Example 1.5
How many multiples of 2 will be equal to 16?
2 * 2 * 2 * 2 = 16
This implies that multiplying 2 four times will result in the number 16.
In other words:
24 = 16
log2 (16) = 4
Note 3
Exponent calculations can be performed on a physical or electronic calculator
using the keys éxp’ of ‘xy.
Common logarithm refers to a base of 10’. Natural logarithm uses a base
of é’ also referred to as the Euler’s number. É’ refers to the number of times a
number has to be multiplied in order to obtain a specified number. This is rep-
resented by “ln” on a scientific calculator.
E or Euler’s number = 2.71828
Example 1.6
ln (6) = 1.792
Or
2.718281.792 = 6
Or
Or
2.71828 with an exponent of 1.792 equals 6.
Logarithm computation is similar to a multiplication operation. A loga-
rithm of a negative number corresponds to a “divide” operation. An example is
provided in Table 1.1:
Example 1.7 highlights the advantages of a logarithmic scale in compari-
son with a linear scale.
Table 1.1
Logarithmic Table Example
Number No. of 10’s Log (Base 10) Result
1000 1 * 10 * 10 * 10 log10(1000) 3
100 1* 10 * 10 log10(100) 2
10 1 * 10 log10(10) 1
1 0 * 10 log10(1) 0
0.1 –1 * 10 log10(0.1) –1
Or
1 /10
0.01 1/(10 * 10) log10(0.01) –2
0.001 1/(10 * 10 * 10) log10(0.001) –3
Fundamentals of Optical Communication 15
Example 1.7
In a controlled temperature environment bacteria, within a lab culture, multi-
ply at a constant rate of 20 percent per hour. As the temperature is increased,
there is an exponential growth of bacteria with 50 percent increase in every 20
minutes. The number of cells, at room temperature, can reach over a million
in just over eight hours. A linear chart representing this growth is as illustrated
in Figure 1.4.
It may be noted that the data for the first six hours cannot be interpreted
due to the inherent nature of the linear scales.
The same data is plotted using a logarithmic scale as illustrated in
Figure 1.5. It may be observed in a better manner.
1. Milliwatts;
2. Microwatts;
3. Nanowatts.
power is generally used. The relative difference between the strength of the two
signals is expressed as decibels (dB) (e.g., optical power losses in a fiber).
For power measurements in linear units (mW, μW, nW), dB is calculated
as follows:
Note 4
Example 1.8
Table 1.2
Power (mW) Versus dBm
Power
(mW) Ratio dBm
1 1/1 = 1 0
2 2/1 = 2 3
5 5/1 = 5 7
10 10/1 = 10 10
0.1 100/1 = 100 20
1W 1000/1 = 1000 30
5W 5000/1 = 5000 37
Example 1.9
The refractive indices of the core and the cladding, of an optical fiber, are 1.28
and 1.24, respectively. Compute the critical angle for transmission of light
through optical fiber.
For light to be transmitted through an optical fiber, the following condi-
tion must be satisfied:
Θi > Θc
Θc = sin–1(n2/n1)
n1= 1.28, n2 = 1.24
Θc = sin–1(1.28/1.24)
Θc = 75.63o
Fundamentals of Optical Communication 19
Example 1.10
With reference to Example 1.9 compute the acceptance angle Θa.
With reference to Example 1.9:
Θc = 75.63o
Example 1.11
With reference to the Example 1.9 compute the numerical aperture.
Numerical aperture = NA = SinΘa
sinΘa can also be computed as (n12– n22)1/2
= (1.282−1.242)1/2
0.317
Note 5
Optical fibers used on a long haul network typically have a NA of 0.1 to 0.3.
The NA defines the amount of power coupled onto a fiber.
mission (can have more than thousand modes based on the fiber di-
ameter) with the higher modes leaking onto the cladding as well as
conversion of optical energy to heat due to absorption. The higher
levels of attenuation limit the transmission distance to a few meters to
a kilometer.
3. Multimode graded index: The RI decreases gradually from the center of
the core toward the cladding. This results in reduction in dispersion
through differential mode delay1.
The core diameter of a SMF is typically in the range of 8–12 μm, while
that of a MMF-GI is in the range of 50–100 μm and that of MMF-SI in the
range of 50–200 μm. The cladding size is usually standardized at 125 μm.
1.9 Dispersion
Dispersion refers to the spreading of light pulses as it travels down the length
of an optical fiber. Dispersion is one of the primary factors that limits the data
transmission rates on an optical network. Dispersion can occur due to a variety
of reasons. One of them is due to the difference in RI for different wavelengths
leading to changes in velocity and angle of refraction, since the RI is a function
of the wavelength passing through a medium. The ratio of the speed of light in
a medium to the speed of light in vacuum is referred to as the refractive index.
Dispersion causes broadening of pulses and is dependent upon the wavelength
of the signal under consideration.
As the bit rate of an optical link increases, the width of each bit decreases
and renders the bit stream susceptible to effects of dispersion. This will cause
bits to overlap onto adjacent time slots leading to transmission errors. The re-
ceived data stream with overlapping pulses cannot be decoded by the receivers
leading to transmission losses due to intersymbol interference. Dispersion is
expressed in seconds. For optical transmission over a fiber, the units can be ex-
pressed in ps. The normalized dispersion (dispersion per unit length of a fiber)
can be expressed2 as ps/ (nm*km). Dispersion can be primarily classified into
two types:
modes can range from 1 to 1,000,000 depending upon the type of fi-
ber and supported wavelengths. This causes the modes to arrive at the
other end of the fiber at differing times causing light to “spread” (in
the time domain). This spreading of light is referred to as modal dis-
persion. The core diameter of the multimode fiber is large and hence
susceptible to modal dispersion. The effects of modal dispersion can
be negated by using a SMF or reduced by using a fiber with smaller
core diameter or the use of a GI fiber.
2. Intramodal dispersion or chromatic dispersion is caused by the mate-
rials used in the manufacture of optical fibers. The two types of intra-
modal dispersion are:
a. Material dispersion: As governed by the equation n=c/v, the dif-
ferent wavelengths (within a SMF) travel through an optical fiber
at differing velocities, due to inherent variations in the material
properties (hence the name) of an optical fiber.
b. Waveguide dispersion: The wavelength of a ray of light incident on a
SMF is not significantly greater than its core diameter. This causes
some portion (modes) of the ray to travel along the cladding. The
RI of the core is greater than the cladding, resulting in the portion
of light traveling along the cladding to be faster than the portion
traveling along the core.3 This results in waveguide dispersion. The
area (diameter) over which the light travels through the fiber is
referred to as mode field diameter (MFD). MFD is wavelength de-
pendent, hence higher wavelengths will have higher MFD.
These concepts are summarized in Table 1.3.
Chromatic Dispersion
Chromatic dispersion (CD) is a combination of material and waveguide disper-
sion and primarily occurs due the fact that rays of light are propagated at differ-
Table 1.3
Types of Dispersion
Dispersion Type Cause
Intermodal Modal Propagation
Intramodal —
Material Variation in RI
Waveguide Fiber type
3. The mode travels at a speed determined by the proportion of that mode in the core and clad-
ding. This phenomenon accounts for the difference in speeds.
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