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The Open University

Digital communications

The Open University via OpenLearn

Overview

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Optical-fibre communications became commercially viable in the 1970s and innovation continues today. This free course, Digital communications, will illustrate how very high data rates can be transmitted over long distances through optical fibres. You will learn how these fibres are linked, examine the technology used and assess the future direction of this continually developing area of communication.

Syllabus

  • Introduction
  • Learning outcomes
  • 1 Optical fibre communication: introduction
  • 1 Optical fibre communication: introduction
  • 1.1 Uses of optical fibre in communication
  • 1.2 Wavelength or frequency?
  • 2 Elements of an optical-fibre link
  • 2 Elements of an optical-fibre link
  • 2.1 Light sources and detectors
  • 2.2 Fibre types
  • 2.3 Attenuation
  • 2.4 Pulse spreading and bandwidth
  • 2.4.1 Multimode distortion
  • 2.4.2 Dispersion in single-mode fibre
  • 2.4.3 Polarization mode distortion
  • 2.5 Non-Linearity
  • 2.6 Connecting and splicing fibres
  • 2.6.1 Connectors
  • 2.6.2 Splicing
  • 2.7 Cabling
  • 3 Optical components
  • 3 Optical components
  • 3.1 Introduction
  • 3.2 Directional couplers
  • 3.3 Optical amplifiers
  • 3.4 Optical switches
  • 3.5 Wavelength multiplexing and demultiplexing
  • 4 Developments and future directions in optical-fibre communications
  • 4 Developments and future directions in optical-fibre communications
  • 4.1 Introduction
  • 4.2 Fibre in the core network
  • 4.3 Optical networking
  • 4.4 Fibre in the access network
  • 4.4.1 FTTCab, FTTC, FTTB and hybrid coaxial fibre
  • 4.4.2 Passive optical networks and Ethernet in the first mile
  • 4.5 Fibre in LANs
  • 4.5.1 Gigabit Ethernet
  • 4.5.2 10 Gigabit Ethernet
  • 4.6 Conclusion to Section 4
  • Conclusion
  • Appendices
  • Appendix 1 Terminology
  • Appendix 2 Acronyms
  • References
  • Acknowledgements

Reviews

5.0 rating, based on 2 Class Central reviews

4.2 rating at OpenLearn based on 19 ratings

Start your review of Digital communications

  • Mohammadreza Malekoltojjari
    My experience was really good. I learnt many things and gained knowledge of various concepts which were unknown to me. It gave me confidence to teach the subject as I had a better understanding about it. Thank you.
  • Profile image for Punit Gavali
    Punit Gavali
    It was Excellent learning at your platform .It helped me analyse my digi communication at my peak extent

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