Abstract

Optical fiber technology has offered the most efficient method of transporting signals between switch-node locations in telecommunications networks for a number of years now. However, functionality beyond mere single-channel, point-to-point transmission is still firmly embedded in the electronic domain for commercial transport networks. Considerable progress is being made in optical-component technologies, and it is important to recognize the ways in which network infrastructure might be improved by exploiting those technologies.

© 1993 Optical Society of America