ABSTRACT
The popularity of ber-optic systems for communication and networking, including in process industry, has resulted in great developments and implementations in the last decade. The implementations of ber-optic systems are growing at an unprecedented pace in industrial applications. The art of optical design has multi-dimensional considerations. There is a need for good design strategy for the current specic needs as well as possible future expansion and augmentation of the systems. The literature is enriched with many different approaches for designing ber-based optical systems. In general there is a valuable number of R&D on issues of network architecture, network simulations, fault tolerance, and challenging issues for ber-optic-based systems. In addition, there also is a necessary knowledge based about the hardware capabilities and possibilities that can enable designers envision better and richer systems. The purpose of this chapter is to provide an overall overview of hardware, devices, and subsystems. The authors’ goal is to provide a useful and practical basis for understanding the major entities in the design, as well as providing good reference for those who are interested in going more in-depth in this area. It is not possible to cover all of the devices, systems, and subsystems. Consequently, the goal of this chapter is to provide a useful overview of what is needed to be considered when studying, designing, or just understanding an optical, optoelectronic, or related optical ber-based system.
