1. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF AIMS AND CONTENT

The course focuses on modelling and analysing of optical fiber networking, network protocols and applications. Special emphasis is to understand operating principals of optical communication systems with complex networking problems and attack performance problems with analytical methods or simulation.

The course is primarily focused on operating principals of optical communication systems. It address performance issues in current and future optic communication technology (characteristics of optical fiber, laser diodes and laser modulation, laser and fiber amplifiers, detection, demodulation, dispersion, compensation, ...). Application will include standards (SONET/SDH, FDDI), broadcast and select networks, optical wavelength routing networks, and Virtual topology design.

2.  Learning Outcomes

A. Knowledge and Understanding

At the end of the programme students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of

1. The performance issues in current and future optical communication systems. 
2. The techniques needed to analyze optical fiber networks systems. 

B. Cognitive/ Intellectual Skills/ Application of Knowledge

At the end of the programme students should be able to:

1.  To construct tractable models of complex networking problems and attack performance problems with analytical methods or simulation. 

2.  Describe how a problem involving optical fiber communication can be identified and solved. 

C. Communication/ICT/Numeracy/Analytic Techniques/Practical Skills

At the end of the programme students should be able to:

1. Discuss and apply computation methods for optical fiber communication systems. 

2. Know the most important applications of optical fiber networks, especially in telecommunication engineering. 

D. General transferable skills

At the end of the programme students should be able to:

1. Have the capacity to analyse and solve problems related to specific technologies and the success or failure of new trends. 

2. Use the usual English vocabulary concerning optical fibre networking. 

3  INDICATIVE CONTENT

Introduction

Part I: Optical Communications Systems

• Operating principals of Optical Communication systems
• Fiber Optic Communication Technology
• Characteristics of Optical Fibers, Laser diodes and Laser Modulation, Laser and fiber amplifiers, detection, demodulation, dispersion, compensation and network topologies
• System topology, star network, bus networks, layered architectures.

Part II: Optical Network Architecture and Protocol

• Introduction to optical network,
• The ITU optical layer
• First-generation optical networks
• Standards i.e SONET/SDH, FDDI
• 2^nd generation optical networks
• Broadcast and select networks
• The light path concept
• Wavelength routing networks
• Virtual topology design
• Photonic packet switching
• Advanced solutions and future trends

4 Learning and Teaching Strategy

A course handbook will be provided in advance and this will contain in depth information relating to the course content. This will give an opportunity to the students to prepare the course. The lecture materials will be posted on the web page that will also contain comprehensive web links for further relevant information. The module will be delivered through lectures, tutorial/practice sessions and group discussions. In addition to the taught element, students will be expected to undertake a range of self-directed learning activities.

By the end of the course students will be able to construct tractable models of complex networking problems and attack performance problems with analytical methods or simulation. These abilities are necessary for everyone working on technical fields - to understand the capabilities of the Fiber Optic Networking technologies and the success or failure of new trends.

5 Assessment Strategy

100% based on individual assessment.

As this is a Theoretical and Practical module: The Final assessment shall include 50% of continuous and 50% of End of Module assessment.

The assessments shall be made 50% each for practical and theoretical aspects.

For Example:

one quiz (5%), one/two practical assignment (10%), one mini project for presentation (10%), one tutorial session (5%), short practical test (10%) and a short written test (10%) followed by final assessment (50%) of End of Module Examination divided equally into practical viva-voce and theoretical examination.

6 Assessment Criteria:

For the assignment, criteria will be drawn up appropriate to the topic, based on the learning outcomes.