Fibre Optic Communication Systems

Abstract

The basic requirements for practical optical communication systems are reviewed. The construction and performance of some of the key constituents such as the fibre, cable, sources, connectors and splices are discussed. Particular emphasis is placed on the special properties of optical communication systems such as the economic advantage of wideband trunk communication, the immunity to electrical interference, and the high strength to weight ratio of the transmission medium. Details of a repeated 140 Mbit/s field demonstration over a 9 km route between Hitchin and Stevenage are given to illustrate the features of a comprehensive optical communication system.