SC216 An Introduction to Optical Network Design and Planning

Sunday, March 22, 2009
1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Jane M. Simmons; Monarch Network Architects, USA
Level: Beginner (no background or minimal training is necessary to understand course material)

Course Description

This course is an introduction to optical network design and planning for backbone, regional and metro-core networks. A fundamental aspect of any optical network design is selecting the proper network elements to maximize flexibility and adaptability for future growth, while minimizing cost. The course will discuss the role of network elements, such as ROADMs, multi-degree ROADMs and optical switches, and describe where each element fits in a network. Various case studies illustrating technology trade-offs will be presented. Routing and wavelength assignment play an important role in the efficiency of networks based on these optical elements. The course will cover the principles of routing and wavelength assignment, including a description of some of the relevant algorithms. The role of regeneration and optical reach in network design will be discussed in some detail. Modeling for real-time planning will also be covered. Many of the principles of the course will be illustrated through an interactive design session with an optical network design tool.

Benefits and Learning Objectives

This course should enable you to:

  • Compare O-E-O and optical-bypass technology.
  • Compare the architectures of various optical network elements.
  • Determine the proper optical equipment for a particular network site, based on nodal degree and traffic patterns.
  • Describe the basics of routing traffic, including strategies for diversity and load balancing.
  • Describe the basics of wavelength assignment.
  • Enumerate some of the networking principles as well as physical effects that determine where regeneration is required in a network.
  • Determine the optimal optical reach for a given network and set of traffic demands.
  • Compare real-time vs. long-term network planning.

Intended Audience

This course is intended for network planners and architects in both carriers and system vendors who are involved in planning optical networks and selecting next generation optical equipment. The discussion of networking elements and algorithms should be helpful to vendors who are developing optical systems, as well as to carriers who are modeling network evolution strategies. The course is introductory level, although a basic understanding of networking principles is assumed.

Biography

Jane Simmons is a founding partner of Monarch Network Architects, which provides optical network architectural services and tools for carriers and system vendors. Previously, she worked at Corvis as the executive engineer of network architecture and later as the chief network architect. She developed the algorithms to optimally plan advanced optical networks and was responsible for all customer network designs. From 1993 to 1999, she worked at AT&T, where she conducted research on backbone, regional and broadband access networks. She received a B.S., Summa Cum Laude, from Princeton University, and S.M. and Ph.D. degrees from MIT, all in electrical engineering.