Optical Transport: DWDM, Amplifiers and FTTx

FOT 115 provides a comprehensive technical overview of advanced optical transport networks, essential for technicians working with high-capacity communication systems. The curriculum delves into coarse and dense wavelength division multiplexing (CWDM/DWDM) techniques, examining how multiple data streams are transmitted over a single optical fiber. It covers the theory and operation of optical amplifiers, including their role in extending signal reach and performance. The course also explores various fiber-to-the-x (FTTx) architectures, with a particular focus on passive optical networks (PON) for subscriber access and fiber-to-the-antenna (FTTA) deployments for wireless backhaul. Through theoretical instruction and practical laboratory exercises, students will develop the skills necessary to install, test, and maintain robust optical transport solutions.

InstructorJacob Calhoun

Prerequisites

FOT 105 FOT 110

Course outline

Lectures, virtual labs, and graded assignments — completed in your browser.

01Lesson 1: Introduction to Optical Transport and Wavelength Division Multiplexinglecture

02Lesson 2: Optical Fiber Characteristics and Performance Parameterslecture

03Lesson 3: Coarse Wavelength Division Multiplexing (CWDM) Principles and Applicationslecture

04Hands-on Lab: CWDM System Setup and Power Budgetinglab

05Lesson 5: Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) Fundamentalslecture

06Lesson 6: DWDM Components and System Architectureslecture

07Lesson 7: Optical Amplifiers: Principles, Types, and Applicationslecture

08Hands-on Lab: Optical Amplifier Performance Testing and Configurationlab

09Lesson 9: Fiber-to-the-X (FTTx) Architectures and Design Considerationslecture

10Lesson 10: Passive Optical Networks (PON) Technologies and Standardslecture

11Hands-on Lab: PON System Deployment and Optical Loss Measurementlab

12Lesson 12: Fiber-to-the-Antenna (FTTA) Deployments and Challengeslecture

13Lesson 13: Network Monitoring, Troubleshooting, and Maintenance in Optical Transport Systemslecture

14Capstone Service Project: Design and Verification of an Integrated Optical Transport Linkassignment

Syllabus

["Week 1: Lesson 1: Introduction to Optical Transport and Wavelength Division Multiplexing","Week 2: Lesson 2: Optical Fiber Characteristics and Performance Parameters","Week 3: Lesson 3: Coarse Wavelength Division Multiplexing (CWDM) Principles and Applications","Week 4: Hands-on Lab: CWDM System Setup and Power Budgeting","Week 5: Lesson 5: Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) Fundamentals","Week 6: Lesson 6: DWDM Components and System Architectures","Week 7: Lesson 7: Optical Amplifiers: Principles, Types, and Applications","Week 8: Hands-on Lab: Optical Amplifier Performance Testing and Configuration","Week 9: Lesson 9: Fiber-to-the-X (FTTx) Architectures and Design Considerations","Week 10: Lesson 10: Passive Optical Networks (PON) Technologies and Standards","Week 11: Hands-on Lab: PON System Deployment and Optical Loss Measurement","Week 12: Lesson 12: Fiber-to-the-Antenna (FTTA) Deployments and Challenges","Week 13: Lesson 13: Network Monitoring, Troubleshooting, and Maintenance in Optical Transport Systems","Week 14: Capstone Service Project: Design and Verification of an Integrated Optical Transport Link"]