Communications signal analysis for highspeed optical networks

Optical networks and the associated photonic devices have seen some major a dvances in recent years. The 1980s brought the first deployment of SONET/SD H systems, followed by refinements including the deployment of in-line opti cal amplifiers. These have been an important enabling technology, allowing signals to be transmitted over long distances. Measurement and test instrum entation has become an important contributor to that growth. This feature d escribes one of a new generation of optical network test instruments.