Abstract

Due to large demand for high speed and great capacity for data transfer, WDM, which uses the wavelength division multiplexing technique, is known as alternative way to satisfy those demand for its flexible network operation and management, easy network expansion with existing networks, and enhancement of efficient data transfer rate. For these reasons, a new high capacity WDM optical communication network plan was established. Therefore, the quality of currently deployed optical cables with 81.6 km in length should be assessed to ensure if high capacity WDM system could be implemented on existing optical cables. Two important characteristic parameters, Transfer Loss and PMD (Polarization Mode Dispersion), were measured to evaluate quality of existing optical cable. Transfer Loss was measured at 0.244 dB per kilometer, which is lower than the design standard value at 0.275 dB/km. The measured PMD value gave at 0.030ps/km, and it, therefore, satisfies the value recommended by ITU-T (International Telecommunication Union-T) of 0.5ps/km. In addition, the transfer characteristic for existing 2.5 Gbps and 10 Gbps system were measured and evaluated, and the results showed that error-free transfer is very much feasible. Computer simulation for DWDM system, which is likely be a future backbone network in Korea, to assess the transfer characteristic using the same condition employed for 2.5 Gbps and 10 Gbps was carried out as well. The simulation verified that a stable network operation and reliable service could be provided.

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