Abstract

There is strong economic justification emerging for the introduction of multiwavelength transmission technology in long-distance optical networks. Even with today's environment of primarily narrowband services, total demand on long-distance networks continues to grow, requiring increased capacity. In long-distance networks, total network costs are heavily influenced by the cost of fiber and regenerators. Wavelength- division multiplexing (WDM) technology, coupled with multiwavelength capable optical amplifiers, allow low cost capacity addition to the currently installed fiber plant. An increase in terminal cost because of more expensive WDM technology is more than offset by the cost savings from not having to install new fiber and regenerators.

© 1996 Optical Society of America