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Introduction:The Fundamental Problem of Communication, Program >>
Page 1 of 97
Primer on Fiber Optic Data Communications for the Premises
Environment
by
Dr.Kenneth S. Schneider
Table of Contents
Acknowledgements
1. Introduction
1.1The Fundamental Problem of Communication
1.2The Transmission Medium - Attenuation Constraints
1.3The Transmission Medium - Interference Constraints
1.4The Transmission Medium - Bandwidth Constraints
1.5The Transmission Medium - Cost Constraints
1.6Attractiveness of Fiber OpticCable As A Premises TransmissionMedium
1.7Program
2. The Fiber Optic Data Communications Link For thePremises Environment
2.1The Fiber Optic DataCommunications Link,End-to-End
2.2Fiber Optic Cable
2.3Transmitter
2.4Receiver
2.5Connectors
2.6Splicing
2.7Analyzing Performance of a Link
3. Exploiting The Bandwidth Of Fiber Optic Cable-Employment by Multiple Users
3.1Sharing the TransmissionMedium
3.2Time Division Multiplexing(TDM) With Fiber OpticCable
3.3Wavelength Division Multiplexing(WDM) With Fiber OpticCable
3.4Comparing Multiplexing Techniquesfor the PremisesEnvironment
4. Exploiting The Delay Properties Of Fiber Optic Cable For LAN Extension
4.1Brief History of Local AreaNetworks
4.2Transmission Media Used To Implement An Ethernet LAN
4.3Examining the DistanceConstraint
4.4Examples of LAN Extenders Shown In Typical Applications
5. Exploiting The Advantages Of Fiber Optic Cable In theIndustrial Environment
5.1Data Communications In TheIndustrial Environment
5.2The Problem of Interference
5.3Fiber Optic DataCommunications Products That canHelp
6. Serial Data Communications OverFiber Optic Cable
7. Standards
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8. Glossary
Bibliography
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Theidea for writing a monograph on the subject of fiberoptic data communications was proposed to me
manytimes by my assistant, GailNelson.
Thematerial in this work was derived from my constantperusal of many diversesources spread over my
years in engineering. I apologize fornot providing a preciseacknowledgment of every source. However,
it would have led to a clutter of footnotes. I know thatthis often makes fortedious reading and didnot
want to burden the reader. Nonetheless, I would not feel comfortableunless specific credit is given to
those publications listed as 'References.' If, on occasion, I paraphrased any of theseworks too closely it
should be taken in the mostcomplimentary manner.
PatO'Hara assisted me in taking a typed manuscript and putting it in final form complete withgraphics,
photographs and other illustrations. Pat carries out this task for all of my publications. Shenever
complainswhen I come to her with lastminute changes. Her cooperation is really appreciated. I can
truthfully say this work would nothave been completed withouther assistance. Note to Pat,we'll soon
beginanother effort.
Thanks to Doug Honikel for havingincorporated this onto ourwebsite.
Tony Horber and Bob Ravenstein(Bomara, Inc.) checked thework for technical accuracy.This was a
particularlystressful task especially when it led to protracted discussions on certainpoints. I am
indebted to them for theirefforts.
Professor Nicholas DeClaris firstintroduced me to communicationsengineering while I was an
undergraduate at Cornell University. Professor DeClaris, now of theUniversity of Maryland,inspired
me with his love forteaching and research. Dr. IrvinStiglitz later sharpened my communications
engineering and technical writing skillswhile he was my Group Leader at M.I.T. Lincoln Laboratory.
Needless to say, it is a lot easier to reach Irv's high standards these days with word processing.
Thanks to Lightwave Magazine and MRV Communications for use of the illustration for thecover.
Finally, I would like to thank my wife, Diane, my childrenAndrew, Jessica and Rachel, my mother and
father,Lillian and Irving Schneider and my, close, life long, friends Seth Stowell, Jamil Sopher and Joel
Goldman. In different ways each gave me encouragement over the years. Without this support I would
havenever have reached thispoint.
*ST is a registered trademark of AT & T
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION