Characterisation and measurement of WDM transmission systems and subsystems for implementation in optical networks

Network operators are offering new services with enhanced data rates, transmission distances and higher availability. WDM systems with 160 channels and more and data rates per channel up to 10 Gbit/s with transmission distances up to 3000 km have to be implemented in the backbone network. 4 × 2.5 Gbit/s muxponders with 10 Gbit/s on the line side replaces the classical transponders with data rates of 2.5 Gbit/s. New services like GbE, FC, 10 GbE, ODU-1 and 2 have to be transmitted. Transponders for 40 Gbit/s and ODU-3 must be implemented in existing WDM links without link redesign. All elements have to be monitored by the network management system and each kind of signal degradation has to be detected before appearance of bit errors or loss of optical channels. All this features must be measured, network elements should be characterised and checked before installing them into the network to guarantee all features and service levels to the customers.