Deploying Optical Networking Components (McGraw-Hill Telecom)

Data transmission is migrating from copper to fiber optic conductors. Network managers know they have to react fast but don't know how to proceed. Even the most sophisticated are unfamiliar with the fiber components their systems will be handling over the next 18 months, and there's almost no field experience to turn to. Held explains, in the language network people are used to hearing, how fiber-based components will work in the environment you've already got, and how they will alter the environment for better or worse.

With cheaper bandwidth and greater robustness, optical networking components are looking increasingly tempting--perhaps even mandatory for maintaining your network's competitive edge. Here's how you get there from here, without being overwhelmed by optical science.

Optical technologies' advantages over copper have caught your attention. Now you're one of the many network professionals--enterprise and service provider alike--looking to answer that key question, "What's the impact on my network?" Optical Networking Components provides the help you need as you rethink system changes and update plans. Written specifically for network managers and administrators by a veteran communications consultant, Gil Held's Optical Networking Components helps you:

*Understand the role of LEDs, lasers, single mode and multimode optical fiber and couplers and amplifiers
*Bridge the divide between conventional systems and optical upgrades
*Relate optical technologies to existing networks in language you already know
*Evaluate optical components in the context of your existing infrastructure
*Apply practical integration and migration techniques in LANs, WANs, and other infrastructure without deep optical theory
*Get familiar with technical changes in performance measurement, system management, switching technology, support requirements, and other key challenges

When adding optical components to traditional data networks, plug-and-play is not an option. But with Gil Held's expert book, it's much easier to build and deploy your game plan.