Wavelength Division Multiplexed Local Area Networks
Abstract
The advent of new services, such as multimedia communications, high- volume file transfer, high-definition image transmission, video/audio retrieval, and others, has created a need for high speed data networks. Future networks are expected to support, in an integrated fashion, services with highly diverse Traffic requirements. Due to the high data rates involved, such networks will use optical fiber as the transmission medium. It has been recognized that current network topologies, employing single shared channels to provide connectivity between the nodes, are not adequate to provide these new services, thus creating the need for multi-channel networks. One way to realize multiple channels on the optical fiber is through the use of Wavelength-Division Multiplexing (WDM); this method has the additional advantage that, by employing tunable transmitters and/or receivers, the network topology can change dynamically in time. This paper will focus on WDM Networks. Following a discussion of the possible network topologies, we investigate the technological issues related to the implementation of such topologies, and describe some experimental implementations reported in the literature.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA247613
Entities
People
- C. Barry
- C. Noronha
- L. G. Kazovsky
- M. P. Hickey
- P. Poggiolini
Organizations
- Stanford University