Abstract

Control of polarization mode dispersion (PMD) is critical to successful operation of current and next-generation ultra long-haul telecommunication networks. Optical fiber PMD contributes the most uncertainty in network PMD characterization. This is not only due to the inherent randomness in the fiber itself, but also uncertainty in cabling effects. It is shown that a mapping between uncabled fiber, cabled fiber on-reel, and installed cable PMD can be used to ensure adequate PMD performance in the optical transmission section of a current MCI network build.

© 2005 Optical Society of America