Abstract

Fiber-optical local area networks (FO LANs) are attractive for implementation in a tropical environment. This environment is characterized by high humidity and high, varying temperatures, factors that affect the quality of data transmission. Additional investigations are required if FO LANs are to be implemented under such conditions. In this paper, such investigations will be presented by means of implementation studies of FO LANs for computerization of the newly established campus of Moi University. I investigated the costs, the needs of the campus, and the performance of traditional copper connection devices; FO LAN connectors are greatly influenced by high humidity and widely varying daytime and nighttime temperatures. Other factors considered were the available space and the data communication facilities already on campus. The results will be categorized as (1) hardware optimization issues, and (2) access protocols. I will assess the performance of drop/insert devices, the reliability of electro-optic conversion, and the loss budget between transmitter and receivers under specific campus conditions.

© 1990 Optical Society of America