Optical transport networks

The key technologies required for the development of optical transport networks, namely, optical fiber transmission and digital transport, which includes transmission signal multiplexing, transport nodes, and network operation functions, are highlighted. The trends in transport technology, the impact of synchronous digital hierarchy (SDH) and asynchronous transfer mode (ATM), the role of telecommunications management networks, and network integrity enhancement techniques are elucidated. It is demonstrated that these technologies have brought about a great change in transport network design and performance. Further innovations are required to fully realize a high-performance computer communication network, a cost-effective nationwide B-ISDN, and local networks for video distribution. These include the realization of an optical access transport network and the extension of trunk network capabilities which will be possible with optical path layer technologies