Optical Networking Crash Course

Penetrate the facts behind the speculation on optical networking's promise as a potential solution to skyrocketing Internet traffic. With Steve Shepard's Optical Networking Crash Course, you'll discover what's what, who's who, and how it all works together in the speed-of-light world of optical networking. From technologies, equipment, companies and competitors to nitty-gritty issues such as security, signal sinks, backhoe fade, add-drop mix and much, much more, this state-of-the-art guide is a must-read if you want to:

Compare optical and other strategies such as cable, DSL, and LMDS
Understand optical technology means, methods, potentials, and constraints
Learn what DWDM (Dense Wave Division Multiplexing) is and why it could change everything
Get straight answers on optical transport issues, routing, switching and more.

power to evaluate technologies, companies, equipment, trends

Bursting with promise as a potential solution to skyrocketing Internet traffic, optical networking is the buzz of Silicon Valley and Wall Street. But if you need to penetrate deeper than excitement and speculation—if you want to put insight, experience, and an insider's grasp behind your business and personal investment decisions—you've come to the right place. Steve Shepard's lucid, probing, and well-conceived Optical Networking Demystified is the Rosetta Stone that decodes the mysteries. It shows you what's what, who's who, and how it all works together in the speed-of-light world of optical networking, from technologies and equipment to companies and competitors.

This book is a must-read if—
*You're at the nexus where fast-moving technological innovation and split-second business decision-making collide
*You manage or develop in telecom, Internet service, networking, or the upper echelons of any business
*You're an investor with an eye on Lucent, Nortel, JDSU, Cisco, Ciena, Agilent, or other optical equipment makers, service providers, or applications creators
*You need to compare optical and other strategies such as cable, DSL, and LMDS
*You appreciate understandable explanations of optical technology means, methods, potentials, and constraints
*You heard that DWDM (Dense Wave Division Multiplexing) is going to change everything (and you want to know what it is and why it will)
*You need straight answers on optical transport issues, routing, and switching
*The words lithium niobate modulators and four-wave mixing make your pulse quicken
*You require details on the entire networking field—technologies, markets, and trends
*You're a curious Netizen in search of insider details on the hottest new technology in communications

For a handle on the only technologically feasible way to quickly increase networking capacity by orders of magnitude, Sam Shepard's book is essential. Optical Networking Demystified is a ticket to ride the light wave—and not get burnt.

THE INSIDE DOPE ON—

*Bandwidth Barons
*Fiber Makers
*Component Makers
*Ranked Solutions/Applications
*Equipment Makers
*Five Nines
*Security
*Signal Sinks
*Backhoe Fade
*Add-Drop Mux
*How It All Fits Together

Steven Shepard is a senior member of technical staff with Hill Associates in Colchester, Vermont. A professional writer and educator, Shepard specializes in international issues in telecommunications and the social implications of technological change. He received his B.A. in Spanish from the University of California at Berkeley, and his M.S. in international business from St. Mary's College. His is married and has two children.