A step-by-step approach to everything you need to know about optical networking From the fundamentals to advanced science to the most promising R&D, this book describes and illustrates how optical networking technology works. The author explains the underlying concepts, demystifies buzzwords and jargon, and instills a practical understanding of technologies and solutions, all without resorting to excessive detail. Not only do readers come to understand the current state of the technology, but they also gain valuable insight into the future of optical networking. Following a discussion of the fundamentals of communications, the author breaks the topic down into logical components, including: * Fiber optics, carrier networks, optical networking equipment, and broadband services * How glass fiber is used as a physical medium for communications and how light is used to represent information * Comparison of single- and multi-mode fiber and vendors * Concept of fiber rings, including the two principal strategies that carriers use to organize capacity: traditional SONET/SDH channels and newer IP/ATM bandwidth on demand services * Latest wave of promising new equipment, configurations, and services, including Gig-E services, dark fiber, managed IP services, and virtual private networks (VPNs) Case studies, examples, and projects help readers understand how to install, configure, and troubleshoot optical networking technologies. A glossary at the end of the book defines terms and acronyms. With this handbook, readers come to understand why optical technologies are viewed as the best solution to meet ever-growing capacity demands. By building knowledge from a solid foundation of the basics, it is not only appropriate for network engineers, managers, and consultants, but also for any professional who needs to understand how optical networking works.