Technician's Guide to Fiber Optics, 4E

4th edition, Delmar, Cengage Learning, Clifton Park, NY, 2004, 368 pages, ISBN: 1401812708 An excellent primer for students beginning to study the subject, this current edition provides a practical, real-world perspective on the fundamentals of fiber optic technology and optical communications. It examines the reasons that optical fibers are the preferred communications medium, surpassing copper wire in all performance measures. A thorough explanation of how fibers work is offered, as well as useful coverage of other related optical components and how those components fit into system-level applications. Premises (LAN), metro, 10G Ethernet, and long-haul applications are also briefly surveyed. Contents Preface to the fourth edition Acknowledgments Background The Communications Revolution Information Transmission Fiber Optics as a Communications Medium: Its Advantages Light Fiber-optic components The Optical Fiber Fiber Characteristics Fiber-Optic Cables Sources Detectors Transmitters and Receivers Connectors and Splices Couplers, Multiplexers, and Other Devices Fiber-optic systems The Fiber-Optic Link: Power Budgets Fiber-Optic Cable Installation and Hardware LANs Fiber-Optic Systems: Telecommunications and Broadband Applications Introduction to Test and Other Equipment Glossary Index An excellent primer for individuals learning fiber optic technology and optical communications. It examines the reasons that optical fibers are the preferred communications medium, surpassing copper wire in all performance measures. A thorough explanation of how fibers work is offered, as well as useful coverage of other related optical components and how those components fit into system-level applications. Premises (LAN), metro, 10G Ethernet, and long-haul applications are also briefly surveyed.