Optical networks use fiber cabling to transmit communication signals using light over long distances. Fiber is made of glass or plastic and guides light through the core and cladding. Optical networks are advantageous because they can handle increasing internet traffic better than traditional networks as fiber bandwidth increases exponentially. Optical networks also reduce transmission costs, enable new applications by pushing optics to network edges, and allow multiple terabits per second to be transmitted through a single cable using wavelength division multiplexing. Some key benefits of optical networks include low power loss over long distances, immunity to electromagnetic interference, lower weight and space needs compared to copper, high security, and suitability for digital signals.

1. Why optical
networks ?
SUBMITTED BY:
GAGANDEEP SINGH RANDHAWA
M.TECH 2nd Sem.
2014ECB1006

2. What is Optical network ?
 Fiber Cabling is used to broadcast communication
signals between two points using light.
 The fiber which are used for optical
communication are wave guides made of
transparent dielectrics.
 It is made from glass or plastic that transports
light throughout the fiber.
 Its function is to guide visible and infrared light
over long distances.

3. Construction of a Fiber
Strand
1) Core
2) Cladding
3) Buffer
4) Jacket

4. Why optical networks ?
 Handle increase in IP traffic
 Moore’s law doesn’t apply here
 1984: 50Mbps, 2001: 6.4Tbps
 Reduce cost of transmitting a bit
 Cost/bit down by 99% in last 5 years
 Enable new applications and services by
pushing optics towards the edges

5. Fiber capabilities/WDM
Cable
Fibers (100+)
Wavebands
Wavelengths
(Multi Tbps)
(Timeslots)
(OC12,48,192) • Wavelengths can be
time-division
multiplexed into a
series of aggregated
connections
• Sets of wavelengths
can be spaced into
wavebands
• Switching can be
done by wavebands
or wavelengths
• 1 Cable can do multi
terabits/sec

6. Merits of optical networks :-
 Low Power Loss :- An optical fiber offers
low power loss which allows for longer
transmission distances.
 Interference :- Fiber optic cables are immune to
electromagnetic interference. It can also be run in
electrically noisy environments without concern as
electrical noise will not affect fiber .
 Weight:- Fiber optic cables are much thinner
and lighter than metal wires. They also occupy
less space with cables of the same information
capacity.

7. Contd.
 Security:- Fiber optics the most secure medium
available for carrying sensitive data.
 Safety:-Since the fiber is a dielectric, it does
not present a spark hazards.
 Cost:- The raw materials for glass are plentiful
means glass can be made more cheaply .
 Less expensive:- Several miles of optical cable
can be made cheaper than equivalent lengths of
copper wire.

8. Contd.
 Thinner:- Optical fibers can be drawn to smaller
diameters than copper wire.
 Less signal degradation:- The loss of signal in
optical fiber is less than in copper wire.
 Digital signals :- Optical fibers are ideally suited
for carrying digital information, which is especially
useful in computer networks.
 Non-flammable:- Because no electricity is passed
through optical fibers, there is no fire hazard.

9. Contd.
 Medical imaging:- It is used in bronchoscopes,
endoscopes, laparoscopes .
 Plumbing:- It is used to inspect sewer lines.
 Electrical Insulator:- Optical fibers are made and
drawn from silica glass which is nonconductor of
electricity and so there are no ground loops and
leakage of any type of current.
 Early detection of cable damage:- By constantly
monitoring an optical network and by carefully
measuring the time it takes light to reflect down the
fiber, splices in the cable can be easily detected.

10. Demerits of Optical
networks
 Highly skilled staff would be required for
maintenance
 Only point to point working is possible on optical
fiber
 Precise and costly instruments would be required
 Costly if under utilized.
 Accept unipolar codes only.
 Jointing of fiber and splicing is also time
consuming.

11. Applications of Optical
networks
 In telecommunication field
 In space applications
 Broadband applications
 Computer applications industrial applications
 Mining applications
 In medical applications
 In military applications etc.

12. THANK
YOU