Table of Contents:

Definition and Overview

1. Photonic Networks

2. A Typical Photonic Network

3. Structure of a Typical DWDM Link

4. The Need for Testing in Optical Networks

5. Optical Test and Measurement Products

6. Building Blocks of Photonic Networks

7. SDH and SONET Interfaces

Self-Test

Glossary

PDF of this tutorial

Photonic networks are made up of the following basic building blocks:

• Transmitters
• Multichannel I/Os
• The optical path
• Optical amplifiers (for long-distance transmissions)
• Receivers

There are specific measurement requirements for each of these five building blocks as well as the requirements for system test. Figure 5 illustrates the six measurement categories: transmitter output, multichannel I/O interface, optical path, optical amplifier, receiver input, and system test.

Figure 5. Measurement Requirements