This presentation looks at the additional measurements that are now required in the characterisation of optical networks as we move to higher and higher data rates. Parameters such as chromatic dispersion (CD) and polarisation mode dispersion (PMD), which at 2.5 Gbit/s were of little concern, have become potential system limiters as we move to 10 Gbit/s and above. These parameters now require characterisation and careful consideration before any fibre is deemed suitable for transmission.
