Current optical transport networks are based on non-transparent SONET/SDH technology. Wavelength multiplexed systems (WDM) modulate optical signals with SONET/SDH digital formats at 2.5 and 10Gb/s rates. Transparent Optical Networks have been actively researched as a way to make optical transport independent from the electronic signals transmitted. In this article, we review recent developments in optical components that facilitate a flexible spectrum usage of DWDM systems. In addition, we discuss emerging optical transport services and how they can be best served by a state-of-the-art transport network.

Date Published: 5 December 2005
PDF: 10 pages
Proc. SPIE 6022, Network Architectures, Management, and Applications III, 60220R (5 December 2005); doi: 10.1117/12.637665

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 6022:
Network Architectures, Management, and Applications III
Kwok-wai Cheung; Gee-Kung Chang; Guangcheng Li; Ken-Ichi Sato, Editor(s)