Table of Contents:

Definition and Overview

1. Introduction

2. Poised to Take a Quantum Leap: Network Evolution and OC–768

3. Dispersion: Shedding New Light on Network Potential

4. A Dispersion Compensation Checklist

5. Conclusion

Self-Test

Glossary

PDF of this tutorial

Definition
Dispersion, or the degradation of optical signals over distance, presents a formidable technical challenge in high-speed network environments such as optical carrier (OC)–192 and OC–768. There are three types of dispersion: chromatic; its subset, slope mismatch; and polarization mode.

Overview
On the horizon of the telecommunications industry lies great promise, as ultra high-speed, 40 Gbps OC–768 networks lie within reach. But alongside that promise is a formidable technical challenge called dispersion. Numerous solutions exist today, or are in development, to address chromatic and polarization mode dispersion, phenomena that become problematic at OC–192 and severe at OC–768 network speeds.

This tutorial examines the market forces causing the push toward ultra high-speed OC–768 networks and provides an overview of chromatic, slope mismatch, and polarization mode dispersion. It also reviews the key criteria for dispersion compensation solutions—most important, tunability and multichannel capabilities.