2015/16 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

ELEC5456M Optical Communications Networks

15 creditsClass Size: 100

Module manager: Dr Taisir Elgorashi
Email: t.e.h.elgorashi@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2015/16

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

This module presents the essential elements of modern optical networks, both in backbone and regional scenarios. The module evaluates WDM, the most popular, bandwidth-rich contemporary approach and also others, including optical time multiplexing and photonic packet switching. Key current demonstrators and field-hardened trials are also presented.

Objectives

- To teach the student the essential elements of modern optical networks;
- to understand the evaluation of WDM, optical time multiplexing and photonic packet switching;
- to appreciate case studies and implementation scenarios and be able to design virtual WDM networks;
- to understand the evolution of modern optical networks.

Learning outcomes
After completing this module you will be able to:
- understand and evaluate the performance of various enabling technologies used in modern optical networks;
- evaluate different WDM network topologies including broadcast-and-select and wavelength routing networks;
- design virtual WDM network topologies;
- analyse Photonic packet switching networks and time domain optical networking approaches;
- understand the evolution of modern optical networks through the understanding of key network demonstrators and field implementations.

Syllabus

- Enabling technologies: Tuneable sources and tuneable filters, couplers, isolators, circulators, optical multiplexers, photonic switches, optical amplifiers, wavelength converters.
- Wavelength division multiplexing (WDM): Broadcast-and-select networks: Topologies, medium access control and testbed examples (LAMBDANET, RAINBOW, STARNET and LIGHTNING).
- Wavelength routing networks: Node design, the routing and wavelength assignment problem (RWA), virtual topology design, current testbeds (MONET, ONTC, MWTN). Optical access networks: Optical access architecture, fibre-to-the-curb/home (FTTC/H), hybrid fibre coaxial (HFC) approaches, passive optical networks (PONs) for access, future trends.
- Photonic Packet Switching: Optical time division multiplexing (OTDM), photonic switching node design, broadcast OTDM networks, OTDM testbeds (ATMOS, KEOPS, CORD, AON).

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Meetings	4	1.00	4.00
Class tests, exams and assessment	1	4.00	4.00
Lecture	10	2.00	20.00
Private study hours			122.00
Total Contact hours			28.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			150.00

Private study

Directed reading, working through set problems, performing software simulations provided by lecturer and developing his/her own.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

- In-semester test;
- in-class question and anser sessions;
- final exam.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
In-course Assessment	Assignment or in-semester test	20.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		20.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc)	3 hr	80.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		80.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 14/12/2015

Disclaimer

Browse Other Catalogues

• Undergraduate module catalogue
• Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
• Undergraduate programme catalogue
• Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team.PROD