ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book is concerned with the high bit rate systems, which are predestined particularly for the long-distance trunk lines that will be used in future communications networks. It describes the structure and elements of an optical, digital transmission system. The book provides a brief summary of the main transmission characteristics of Single-mode (SM) fibers and of the processes known at the present time to compensate the dispersion. It outlines of the basic details for SM fiber coupling. The book also provides a brief summary of photo detectors and their important characteristics which are necessary to consider when designing optoelectronic receivers. It also describes circuits for pulse shaping processes which have proven effective in realized systems. The book seeks to outline feasible development trends in optical broadband communication.
