Book excerpt: Plan and implement fiber optic networks Effectively design and deploy bandwidth-rich networks for major types of data traffic. Covering both short-reach and long-haul networks, Planning Fiber Optic Networks provides full details on all major fiber optic parameters and includes appropriate background theory and design calculations. You will find guidelines for optimizing SONET/SDH and Ethernet networks, setting up network topologies, minimizing signal loss and impairments, and using dark fiber. Real-world examples are included throughout this practical guide. Understand signal propagation in a single-mode fiber Plan an optical loss budget Maintain an acceptable optical signal-to-noise ratio (OSNR) Learn about the effects of chromatic dispersion (CD) and polarization mode dispersion (PMD) Expand fiber capacity using wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) Reduce fiber nonlinear impairments Perform fiber characterization to ensure optimal quality and performance Test Ethernet and SONET/SDH networks Plan point-to-point and ring fiber topologies Lease or purchase dark fiber