WDMMetropolitan‐Area Optical Networks

Abstract

In this article, the characteristics, requirements and architectures of optical metropolitan area networks are presented. The main features of system offerings proposed for metro networks are also discussed. We outline our considerations about the evolution of metro area networks from SONET rings, to transparent wavelength‐routed WDM rings. We also describe the major transport impairments that limit the performance of transparent WDM metropolitan area networks and we present the characteristics of metro‐optimized optical amplifiers, fibers and optical add/drop multiplexers. Finally, we discuss recent research results that demonstrate that a properly engineered system utilizing application‐optimized components and fiber will enable the buildup of cost‐effective metro‐optimized WDM all‐optical networks.