The role of simple non-digital optoelectronic repeaters in scalable, transparent optical networks

Summary form only given. Reports into using bit rate transparent non digital optoelectronic (OEO) repeaters. These are a simple devices involving detection, electronic amplification and pulse shaping and laser modulation, i.e. no clock recovery and decision circuits. This technique offers a number of advantages at the expense of sacrificing a fully optical system, the extent of this sacrifice being somewhat unclear. Such advantages are e.g, ease of wavelength conversion, the availability of information for monitoring and control, the potential for low cost monolithic integration and combination with high speed electronics.