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Module Specifications

Archived Version 2022 - 2023

Module Title
Module Code
School

Online Module Resources

NFQ level 9 Credit Rating 7.5
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Description

This module will provide the students with knowledge, skills, competencies, and understanding of the telecommunications landscape and the role, photonic technologies play in the operation of the heterogenous broadband networks. Building on the fundamental knowledge on optical communications, a deep insight into the requirements, both from a technology and business/cost point of view, of different network segments and how these are met will be introduced. A series of case scenarios will be presented, providing the students with a practical knowledge of network design, operation and performance metrics.

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate mastery and detailed appreciation of the theoretical founding principles and current implementation of optical communications.
2. Identify and categorise the constraints set by various optical network segments
3. Analyse the role of photonic technologies in each of the network segments.
4. Calculate the performance metrics and analyse reasons for system performance degradation in different sectors.
5. Evaluate potential optical network evolution paths/technology roadmaps
6. Specify mechanisms to deal with the trade-off between the spectral efficiency and transmission distance as applied to various sectors of the network.
7. Conduct literature searches, abstract and summarize relevant techniques in photonic applications, and demonstrate scientific report writing at a master’s level.



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture36Classroom lectures (Online Synchronous and Asynchronous sessions)
Assignment Completion30Assignments and homeworks
Independent Study122Independent study and exam preparation
Total Workload: 188

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Review of fundamentals of optical communications
Fibre transmission; photonic components: lasers, photoreceivers, amplifiers; modulation methods and formats; detection methods

Core and metro networks
Spectral efficiency and transmission distance limitations, WDM, UWDM and elastic optical networks, interface with higher network layers

Access networks
Fixed and wireless networks requirements and architectures, coexistence of different access methods on the same infrastructure, data centre interconnects

Advanced and emerging photonic technologies
Photonic integrated circuits (PICs), Silicon photonics, hybrid integration, novel optical amplifiers and transmission windows, spatial division multiplexing

Photonics sensing and imaging
Fibre sensing: Stress, strain, temperature, pressure, distance measurements, LiDAR, gas sensing

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment% Examination Weight%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
1 = A resit is available for all components of the module
2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module
3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
Unavailable
Indicative Reading List

  • Ivan Kaminow, Tingye Li and Alan Willner: 0, Optical Fiber Telecommunications VB, Systems and Networks, 5th, ISBN: 9780123
  • Ivan Kaminow, Tingye Li and Alan Willner: 0, Optical Fiber Telecommunications VA, Components and Subsystems, 5, ISBN: 9780123
  • John Senior: 0, Optical Fiber Communications: Principles and Practice, 3, 13: 978-01303
  • Tarun Kumar Gangopadhyay,Pathik Kumbhakar,Mrinal Kanti Mandal: 2019, Photonics and Fiber Optics, CRC Press, 9780367134570
Other Resources

None
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