Counter pump distributed Raman amplifiers are often combined with EDFA pre-amps to extend span distances. This hybrid configuration can provide 6 dB improvement in the OSNR, which can significantly extend span lengths or increase span loss budget. Counter pump Raman Amplifier can also help reduce nonlinear effects by allowing for channel launch power reduction.

Raman Amplifiers are very sensitive to input power so they are always used with EDFA in cascaded fashion. (a small change at input will result in high output power change and thus subsequent components may suffer)

Forward pumping provides the highest SNR, and the smallest noise figure, because most of the Raman gain is then concentrated toward the input end of the fiber where power levels are high. However, backward pumping is often employed in practice because of other considerations such as the transfer of pump noise to signal and the effects of residual fiber birefringence. 

Major Noise sources of Raman Amplifiers are:

• Amplified spontaneous emissions (ASE)
• Double Rayleigh scattering (DRS)
• Pump laser noise.

ASE noise is due to photon generation by spontaneous Raman scattering.DRS noise occurs when twice reflected signal power due to Rayleigh scattering is amplified and interferes with the original signal as crosstalk noise. The strongest reflections occur from connectors and bad splices. Typically, DRS noise is less than ASE noise, but for multiple Raman spans it can add up. To reduce this interference, ultra-polish connectors (UPC) or angle polish (APC) connectors can be used. Optical isolators can be installed after the laser diodes to reduce reflections into the laser. Also span OTDR traces can help locate high-reflective events for repair.

Counter pump DRA configuration results in better OSNR performance for signal gains of 15 dB and greater. Pump laser noise is less of a concern because it usually is quite low with RIN of better than 160 dB/Hz.

Nonlinear Kerr effects can also contribute to noise due to the high laser pump power. For fibers with low DRS noise, the Raman noise figure due to ASE is much better than the EDFA noise figure. Typically, the Raman noise figure is –2 to 0 dB, which is about 6 dB better than the EDFA noise figure.

Raman amplifier noise factor is defined as the OSNR at the input of the amplifier to the OSNR at the output of the amplifier.

An undesirable feature is that the Raman gain is somewhat polarization sensitive. In general, the gain is maximum when the signal and pump are polarized along the same direction but is reduced when they are orthogonally polarized.

Advantages of Raman Amplifiers

1. 1. Signal Amplification Efficiency: Raman amplifiers utilize the Raman scattering phenomenon to amplify optical signals. This process enables efficient signal amplification across a broad range of wavelengths, facilitating multi-channel transmission.
   2. Wavelength Versatility: Unlike traditional amplifiers that work within specific wavelength ranges, Raman amplifiers can amplify signals at various wavelengths simultaneously. This versatility is particularly beneficial in dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) systems.
   3. Extended Transmission Distance: Raman amplification effectively mitigates signal loss over long distances. By continuously boosting signals along the transmission path, Raman amplifiers enable high-quality communication links spanning thousands of kilometers.
   4. Reduced Nonlinear Effects: Raman amplification reduces the impact of nonlinear effects that can degrade signal quality in long-haul communication. This advantage contributes to maintaining the integrity of the transmitted data.
   5. Wide Bandwidth Coverage: The inherent characteristics of Raman amplifiers provide a wider bandwidth coverage, allowing them to support high-capacity data transmission, including high-definition video streaming and data-intensive applications.
   6. Enhanced Network Flexibility: Raman amplifiers offer flexibility in designing and optimizing optical networks. Network architects can adapt the system to accommodate changes in traffic demands and new services more effectively.
   7. Lower Noise Contribution: Raman amplification generates less amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) noise compared to other amplification methods. This results in improved signal-to-noise ratios, enhancing the overall quality of data transmission.
   8. Minimal Dispersion Impact: Raman amplifiers have a reduced impact on dispersion, which is the spreading of optical pulses as they travel through the fiber. This advantage translates to enhanced data integrity and reduced need for dispersion compensation.
   9. Energy Efficiency: Raman amplifiers consume less power compared to other types of amplifiers, contributing to more energy-efficient optical networks.
   10. Compatibility with Other Amplifiers: Raman amplifiers can be integrated seamlessly with other amplifier types, such as erbium-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFAs), to create hybrid systems that optimize performance.

Raman amplifier is a well-known amplifier configuration. This amplifier uses conventional fiber (rather doped fibers), which may be co-or counter-pumped to provide amplification over a wavelength range which is a function of the pump wavelength. The Raman amplifier relies upon forward or backward stimulated Raman scattering. Typically, the pump source is selected to have a wavelength of around 100 nm below the wavelength over which amplification is required.

Principle of working:

As the pump laser photons propagate in the fiber, they collide and are absorbed by fiber molecules or atoms. This excites the molecules or atoms to higher energy levels. The higher energy levels are not stable states so they quickly decay to lower intermediate energy levels releasing energy as photons in any direction at lower frequencies. This is known as spontaneous Raman scattering or Stokes scattering and contributes to noise in the fiber.

Since the molecules decay to an intermediate energy vibration level, the change in energy is less than the initial received energy during molecule excitation. This change in energy from excited level to intermediate level determines the photon frequency since Δ f = Δ E / h. This is referred to as the Stokes frequency shift and determines the Raman gain versus frequency curve shape and location. The remaining energy from the intermediate level to ground level is dissipated as molecular vibrations (phonons) in the fiber. Since there exists a wide range of higher energy levels, the gain curve has a broad spectral width of approximately 30 THz.

During stimulated Raman scattering, signal photons co-propagate frequency gain curve spectrum, and acquire energy from the Stokes wave, resulting in signal amplification.

Some of the information bullet to know is:

• The Raman amplifier is typically much more costly and has less gain than an Erbium Doped Fiber Amplifier (EDFA) amplifier. Therefore, it is used only for specialty applications.
• The main advantage that this amplifier has over the EDFA is that it generates very less noise and hence does not degrade span Optical to Signal Noise Ratio (OSNR) as much as the EDFA.
• Its typical application is in EDFA spans where additional gain is required but the OSNR limit has been reached.
• Adding a Raman amplifier might not significantly affect OSNR, but can provide up to a 20dB signal gain.
• Another key attribute is the potential to amplify any fiber band, not just the C band as is the case for the EDFA. This allows for Raman amplifiers to boost signals in O, E, and S bands (for Coarse Wavelength Division Multiplexing (CWDM) amplification application).
• The amplifier works on the principle of Stimulated Raman Scattering (SRS), which is a nonlinear effect.
• It consists of a high-power pump laser and fiber coupler (optical circulator).
• The amplification medium is the span fiber in a Distributed Type Raman Amplifier (DRA).
• Raman amplifiers can work at any wavelength as long as the pump wavelength is suitably chosen. It can work in C and L bands.
• Distributed Feedback (DFB) laser is a narrow spectral bandwidth which is used as a safety mechanism for Raman Card. DFB sends pulse to check any back reflection that exists in the length of fiber. If no High Back Reflection (HBR) is found, Raman starts to transmit.
• Generally, HBR is checked in initial few kilometers of fibers to first 20 Km. If HBR is detected, Raman will not work. Some fiber activity is needed after you find the problem area via OTDR.

DWDM (Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing) technology is widely used to increase the capacity of optical networks. Amplifiers play a crucial role in boosting the signal strength and ensuring reliable transmission over long distances. However, the quality of amplifier performance can be affected by several factors, including gain tilt and gain ripple. In this article, we will explore what gain tilt and gain ripple are, how they impact the performance of DWDM amplifier links, and how to mitigate their effects.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Understanding DWDM Amplifier Links
3. What is Gain Tilt?
4. Causes of Gain Tilt
5. Effects of Gain Tilt
6. What is Gain Ripple?
7. Causes of Gain Ripple
8. Effects of Gain Ripple
9. How to Measure Gain Tilt and Gain Ripple
10. Mitigation Techniques for Gain Tilt and Gain Ripple
11. Conclusion
12. FAQs

1. Introduction

DWDM technology is widely used to increase the capacity of optical networks. Amplifiers play a crucial role in boosting the signal strength and ensuring reliable transmission over long distances. However, the quality of amplifier performance can be affected by several factors, including gain tilt and gain ripple. In this article, we will explore what gain tilt and gain ripple are, how they impact the performance of DWDM amplifier links, and how to mitigate their effects.

2. Understanding DWDM Amplifier Links

DWDM amplifier links consist of several optical amplifiers connected in series to compensate for the signal loss over long distances. The optical signal is amplified in each amplifier, and the output of the previous amplifier becomes the input for the next amplifier. The amplifiers are designed to provide a constant gain over a wide range of wavelengths to compensate for the loss due to dispersion, attenuation, and other factors. However, the gain of the amplifier may not be perfectly flat, and this can lead to gain tilt and gain ripple.The ability to control and adjust per channel optical power equalization is a principal feature of Amplifier in network applications. A major parameter to assure optical spectrum equalization throughout the DWDM system is the gain flatness of erbium-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFAs).

3. What is Gain Tilt?

Gain tilt is a phenomenon where the gain of the amplifier varies with the wavelength. In other words, the gain is not constant across the entire wavelength range, and there is a gradual increase or decrease in the gain as the wavelength changes. This can result in a distortion of the optical signal, especially if the signal contains multiple wavelengths.

4. Causes of Gain Tilt

The most common cause of gain tilt in DWDM amplifier links is the variation in the gain of the individual amplifiers. The gain of the amplifier depends on several factors, including the doping concentration, the pump power, the fiber length, and the temperature. Any variation in these factors can result in a variation in the gain, leading to gain tilt.

5. Effects of Gain Tilt

The effects of gain tilt can be severe, especially if the signal contains multiple wavelengths. The gain tilt can result in a distortion of the signal, causing errors and impairments in the transmission. The distortion can be mitigated by equalizing the gain across all wavelengths, which can be achieved using various techniques.

6. What is Gain Ripple?

Gain ripple is a phenomenon where the gain of the amplifier varies periodically with the wavelength. In other words, the gain is not constant, and there are peaks and dips in the gain as the wavelength changes. This can result in a distortion of the optical signal, especially if the signal contains multiple wavelengths.

7. Causes of Gain Ripple

The most common cause of gain ripple in DWDM amplifier links is the interference between the optical signals and the amplifiers. The interference can be caused by several factors, including the reflection from the fiber ends, the Rayleigh scattering, and

the amplifier noise. The interference can cause some wavelengths to be amplified more than others, resulting in the periodic gain variation, or gain ripple.

8. Effects of Gain Ripple

The effects of gain ripple can be severe, especially if the signal contains multiple wavelengths. The gain ripple can result in a distortion of the signal, causing errors and impairments in the transmission. The distortion can be mitigated by equalizing the gain across all wavelengths, which can be achieved using various techniques.

9. How to Measure Gain Tilt and Gain Ripple

The gain tilt and gain ripple can be measured using a specialized device called an optical spectrum analyzer (OSA). The OSA measures the power and the spectrum of the optical signal and provides a graphical representation of the gain tilt and gain ripple. The OSA can be used to identify the location and the magnitude of the gain tilt and gain ripple and help in the troubleshooting and optimization of the amplifier links.

10. Mitigation Techniques for Gain Tilt and Gain Ripple

The gain tilt and gain ripple can be mitigated using several techniques, including:

10.1. Pre-Equalization

Pre-equalization is a technique where the gain of the amplifiers is adjusted before the signal is transmitted. The adjustment compensates for the gain tilt and gain ripple and ensures that the signal is transmitted with a constant gain across all wavelengths. Pre-equalization can be performed using various devices, including the optical equalizer and the dynamic gain equalizer.

10.2. Post-Equalization

Post-equalization is a technique where the gain of the amplifiers is adjusted after the signal is transmitted. The adjustment compensates for the gain tilt and gain ripple and ensures that the signal is received with a constant gain across all wavelengths. Post-equalization can be performed using various devices, including the optical equalizer and the dynamic gain equalizer.

10.3. Optical Filters

Optical filters are devices that selectively transmit or reflect certain wavelengths of light. Optical filters can be used to equalize the gain across all wavelengths by selectively transmitting or reflecting the wavelengths that are affected by the gain tilt and gain ripple.

11. Conclusion

Gain tilt and gain ripple are common phenomena that can affect the performance of DWDM amplifier links. The gain tilt and gain ripple can cause distortion of the optical signal, resulting in errors and impairments in the transmission. The gain tilt and gain ripple can be mitigated using various techniques, including pre-equalization, post-equalization, and optical filters. The measurement and optimization of the gain tilt and gain ripple can be performed using an optical spectrum analyzer. By addressing the gain tilt and gain ripple, the performance of the DWDM amplifier links can be improved, and the reliability and efficiency of the optical networks can be enhanced.

12. FAQs

1. What is DWDM technology? DWDM (Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing) is a technology used to increase the capacity of optical networks by transmitting multiple wavelengths of light over a single fiber.
2. What is an optical amplifier? An optical amplifier is a device that amplifies the optical signal without converting it to an electrical signal.
3. How does gain tilt affect the optical signal? Gain tilt can cause distortion of the optical signal, resulting in errors and impairments in the transmission.
4. What is an optical spectrum analyzer? An optical spectrum analyzer (OSA) is a device that measures the power and spectrum of the optical signal and provides a graphical representation of the gain tilt and gain ripple.
5. How can gain tilt and gain ripple be mitigated? Gain tilt and gain ripple can be mitigated using various techniques, including pre-equalization, post-equalization, and optical filters. These techniques can equalize the gain across all wavelengths, ensuring a constant gain and reducing the distortion of the optical signal.
   6. What are the causes of gain ripple? The most common cause of gain ripple is the interference between the optical signals and the amplifiers. The interference can be caused by several factors, including the reflection from the fiber ends, the Rayleigh scattering, and the amplifier noise.
   7. How can the gain tilt and gain ripple be measured? The gain tilt and gain ripple can be measured using an optical spectrum analyzer (OSA), which measures the power and spectrum of the optical signal and provides a graphical representation of the gain tilt and gain ripple.
   8. What are the benefits of addressing the gain tilt and gain ripple? By addressing the gain tilt and gain ripple, the performance of the DWDM amplifier links can be improved, and the reliability and efficiency of the optical networks can be enhanced. This can lead to increased capacity, better quality of service, and reduced downtime.
   9. What is pre-equalization? Pre-equalization is a technique where the gain of the amplifiers is adjusted before the signal is transmitted. The adjustment compensates for the gain tilt and gain ripple and ensures that the signal is transmitted with a constant gain across all wavelengths.
   10. What is post-equalization? Post-equalization is a technique where the gain of the amplifiers is adjusted after the signal is transmitted. The adjustment compensates for the gain tilt and gain ripple and ensures that the signal is received with a constant gain across all wavelengths.

Optical amplifiers are essential components in optical communication systems. They are used to amplify the optical signals transmitted over long distances. The performance of optical amplifiers is critical in ensuring the quality of the communication system. There are two modes of operation for optical amplifiers: power control mode and gain control mode. In this article, we will discuss the difference between these two modes and their applications. We will also provide some examples of optical amplifiers that use these modes.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• What is Power Control Mode in Optical Amplifiers?
• Advantages of Power Control Mode
• Disadvantages of Power Control Mode
• Examples of Optical Amplifiers that Use Power Control Mode
• What is Gain Control Mode in Optical Amplifiers?
• Advantages of Gain Control Mode
• Disadvantages of Gain Control Mode
• Examples of Optical Amplifiers that Use Gain Control Mode
• Comparison between Power Control Mode and Gain Control Mode
• Conclusion
• FAQs

What is Power Control Mode in Optical Amplifiers?

Power control mode in optical amplifiers is a method of controlling the output power of the amplifier. In this mode, the output power of the amplifier is kept constant by adjusting the input power. This is achieved by using a feedback loop that measures the output power and adjusts the input power accordingly. Power control mode is commonly used in erbium-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFAs) and semiconductor optical amplifiers (SOAs).

Advantages of Power Control Mode

One of the advantages of power control mode is that it provides a stable output power. This is important in optical communication systems where the quality of the signal is critical. Another advantage is that it allows for a larger dynamic range of operation. This means that the amplifier can handle a wider range of input power levels without saturating or clipping.

Disadvantages of Power Control Mode

One of the main disadvantages of power control mode is that it is susceptible to fluctuations in the input power. This can result in changes in the output power, which can affect the quality of the signal. Another disadvantage is that it requires a feedback loop, which adds complexity to the amplifier.

Examples of Optical Amplifiers that Use Power Control Mode

Some examples of optical amplifiers that use power control mode are:

• Erbium-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFAs)
• Semiconductor optical amplifiers (SOAs)
• Raman amplifiers

What is Gain Control Mode in Optical Amplifiers?

Gain control mode in optical amplifiers is a method of controlling the gain of the amplifier. In this mode, the gain of the amplifier is kept constant by adjusting the pump power. This is achieved by using a feedback loop that measures the output power and adjusts the pump power accordingly. Gain control mode is commonly used in optical amplifiers that have a high gain, such as rare-earth-doped fiber amplifiers (REDFAs).

Advantages of Gain Control Mode

One of the advantages of gain control mode is that it provides a stable gain. This is important in optical communication systems where the quality of the signal is critical. Another advantage is that it is less susceptible to fluctuations in the input power. This is because the pump power is adjusted to maintain a constant gain, regardless of changes in the input power.

Disadvantages of Gain Control Mode

One of the main disadvantages of gain control mode is that it requires a high pump power. This can result in increased power consumption and higher operating costs. Another disadvantage is that it is less flexible than power control mode. This is because the gain is kept constant, which limits the dynamic range of operation.

Examples of Optical Amplifiers that Use Gain Control Mode

Some examples of optical amplifiers that use gain control mode are:

• Rare-earth-doped fiber amplifiers (REDFAs)
• Distributed Raman amplifiers (DRAs)
• Hybrid amplifiers

Comparison between Power Control Mode and Gain Control Mode

Both power control mode and gain control mode have their advantages and disadvantages. The choice of mode depends on the requirements of the application. Power control mode is suitable for applications where a stable output power is required, and a large dynamic range of operation is needed. Gain control mode, on the other hand, is suitable for applications where a stable gain is required, and high pump power is available.

Conclusion

Optical amplifiers are crucial components in optical communication systems. Power control mode and gain control mode are two modes of operation for optical amplifiers that are commonly used. Power control mode provides a stable output power and a large dynamic range of operation. Gain control mode provides a stable gain and is less susceptible to fluctuations in the input power. The choice of mode depends on the requirements of the application.

FAQs

1. What is an optical amplifier?
   • An optical amplifier is a device that amplifies the optical signal transmitted over long distances in optical communication systems.
2. What is power control mode?
   • Power control mode is a method of controlling the output power of the amplifier by adjusting the input power.
3. What is gain control mode?
   • Gain control mode is a method of controlling the gain of the amplifier by adjusting the pump power.
4. Which mode is better, power control or gain control?
   • The choice of mode depends on the requirements of the application. Power control mode is suitable for applications where a stable output power is required, and a large dynamic range of operation is needed. Gain control mode is suitable for applications where a stable gain is required, and high pump power is available.
5. What are some examples of optical amplifiers that use power control mode?
   • Some examples of optical amplifiers that use power control mode are EDFAs, SOAs, and Raman amplifiers.

Based on  placements, for a DWDM link there are three types of amplifiers:

• Booster Amplifier
• Pre-Amplifier
• In-Line Amplifier

Booster Amplifier 

Main purpose of booster amplifier is to boost the power transmitted.

 A booster amplifier is used to amplify the signal channels exiting the transmitter to the level required for launching into the fiber link. In most applications this level is in the range of 0-5 dBm per channel, however, it can be higher for more demanding applications. A booster is not always required in single channel links, but is essential in a WDM link where the multiplexer attenuates the signal channels. A booster amplifier typically has low gain (in the range of 5-15 dB) and high output power, typically about 20dBm for a 40 channel WDM system. The NF of a booster amplifier is not usually a critical parameter. At the other end of a link a pre-amplifier may be required to amplify the optical signal to the level where it can be detected over and above the thermal noise of the receiver.

Pre-Amplifier

These amplifiers are commonly used to improve the receiver sensitivity. Transmission distance can also be increased by putting an amplifier just before the receiver to boost the received power.

A pre-amplifier should provide high gain, often in the range of 30 dB, and have a low NF in the range of 4-5.5 dB, in order to assure error-free detection of the signal channels. The output power of the pre-amplifier need not be very high.

For links up to about 150 km, a booster and/or pre-amplifier are usually sufficient to ensure error-free transmission. However, for links above 150 km the performance deteriorates to such an extent that the signal becomes undetectable.

In-Line Amplifier

These amplifiers are used for compensating distribution losses in local-area networks. replace electronic regenerators. An in-line amplifier is characterized by large gain and low noise to amplify an already attenuated signal so that it can travel an additional length of fiber.

In-line amplifiers are placed every 80-100 km to ensure that the optical signal level remains above the noise floor. In-line amplifiers typically require moderate gain in the range of 15-25 dB, and NF in the range of 5-7 dB. Output power requirements are similar to those of booster amplifiers. While in the early days of optical amplifiers different amplifier models had to be specifically tailored for each of the above functions, today the technology has advanced so that a single well designed amplifier model can perform many of the functions for typical applications. However, there still remain challenging applications which require specially designed amplifiers, such as very high output power boosters, or ultra-low noise pre-amplifiers.

Advantages and drawbacks of EDFAs are as follows:-

Advantages:

• Commercially available in C band (1,530 to 1,565 nm) and L band (1,560 to 1,605) and up to 84-nm range at the laboratory stage.
• Excellent coupling: The amplifier medium is an SM fiber;
• Insensitivity to light polarization state;
• Low sensitivity to temperature;
• High gain: > 30 dB with gain flatness < ±0.8 dB and < ±0.5 dB in C and L band, respectively, in the scientific literature and in the manufacturer documentation
• Low noise figure: 4.5 to 6 dB
• No distortion at high bit rates;
• Simultaneous amplification of wavelength division multiplexed signals;
• Immunity to crosstalk among wavelength multiplexed channels (to a large extent)

Drawbacks:

• Pump laser necessary;
• Difficult to integrate with other components;
• Need to use a gain equalizer for multistage amplification;
• Dropping channels can give rise to errors in surviving channels: dynamic control of amplifiers is necessary.

Maximum number of erbium-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFAs) in a fiber chain is about four to six.

The rule is based on the following rationales:

1. About 80 km exists between each in-line EDFA, because this is the approximate distance at which the signal needs to be amplified.

2. One booster is used after the transmitter.

3. One preamplifier is used before the receiver.

4. Approximately 400 km is used before an amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) has approached the signal (resulting in a loss of optical signal-to-noise ratio [OSNR]) and regeneration needs to be used.

An EDFA amplifies all the wavelengths and modulated as well as unmodulated light. Thus, every time it is used, the noise floor from stimulated emissions rises. Since the amplification actually adds power to each band (rather than multiplying it), the signal-to-noise ratio is decreased at each amplification. EDFAs also work only on the C and L bands and are typically pumped with a 980- or 1480-nm laser to excite the erbium electrons. About 100 m of fiber is needed for a 30-dB gain, but the gain curve doesn’t have a flat distribution, so a filter is usually included to ensure equal gains across the C and L bands.

During population inversion phenomenon and as spontaneous emission occurs in all modes supported by the fiber (guided and unguided). Clearly, some of these photons would appear from time to time in the same fiber mode occupied by the signal field. Such spontaneously emitted photon perturbs both the amplitude and the phase of the optical field in a random fashion. These random perturbations of the signal are the source of amplifier noise in EDFAs and results in ASE.

For long haul links, generally EDFA’s are cascaded to overcome fiber losses in the link. Due to these cascading structures, amplifier induced noise buildup and impacts the performance of Amplifier. The ASE accumulates over many amplifiers and degrades the optical SNR. Also, as the level of ASE grows, it begins to saturate optical amplifiers and reduce the gain of amplifiers located further down the fiber link. The net result is that the signal level drops further while the ASE level increases. So, it’s obvious that if the number of amplifiers is large, the SNR will degrade so much at the receiver that the BER will become unacceptable.

Amplifiers are the modules used generally in long haul networks to manage loss in a DWDM network. Here the signal is directly amplified without conversion of optical signal into electrical signal .

Optical Amplifiers amplify input light through stimulated emission, the same mechanism that is used by lasers but only difference is that amplifiers doesn’t need feedback circuitry. It’s main ingredient is the optical gain realized when the amplifier is pumped (electrically or optically ) to achieve population inversion. The optical gain, in general, depends not only on the frequency (or wavelength) of the incident signal, but also on the local signal intensity at any point inside the amplifier.

There are mainly two types of amplifiers used in DWDM network and they are EDFA(Erbium doped fiber Amplifier ) and Raman Amplifier.

EDFA:

Erbium doped fiber amplifiers makes use of rare-earth elements (Er3+ ) as a gain medium by doping the fiber core during the manufacturing process .Erbium-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFAs) is widely used because they operate in the wave- length region near 1.55 μm .In EDFA,pumping at a suitable wavelength provides gain through population inversion. The gain spectrum depends on the pump- ing scheme as well as on the presence of other dopants, such as germania and alumina, within the fiber core. Efficient EDFA pumping is possible using semiconductor lasers operating near 0.98- and 1.48-μm wavelengths. Most EDFAs use 980-nm pump lasers as such lasers are commercially available and can provide more than 100 mW of pump power. Pumping at 1480 nm requires longer fibers and higher powers because it uses the tail of the absorption band ,

RAMAN:

Raman fiber uses SRS (stimulated Raman scattering ) phenomenon which was experimentally observed by Sir Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman in 1928.

SRS is used in silica fibers when an intense pump beam propagates through it .With this effect the incident pump photon gives up its energy to create another photon of reduced energy at a lower frequency (inelastic scattering); the remaining energy is absorbed by the medium in the form of molecular vibrations (optical phonons). Thus, Raman amplifiers must be pumped optically to provide gain. The pump and signal beams at different frequencies are injected into the fiber through a fiber coupler. The energy is transferred from the pump beam to the signal beam through SRS as the two beams co-propagate inside the fiber. Commonly counter propagation mode is used. The gain from a Raman amplifier increases almost linearly with the wave- length offset between signal and pump, peaking at about an 100-nm difference, then it drops off rapidly.

As DWDM systems send signals from several sources over a single fiber, they must be able to combine the incoming signals. This is done with a multiplexer, which takes optical wavelengths from multiple fibers and converges them into one beam. At the receiving end, the system must be able to separate out the components of the light so that they can be discreetly detected. Demultiplexers perform this function by separating the received beam into its wavelength components and coupling them to individual fibers. Demultiplexing must be done before the light is detected, because photo-detectors are inherently broadband devices that cannot selectively detect a single wavelength.

Multiplexers and demultiplexers can be either passive or active in design. Passive designs are based on prisms, diffraction gratings or filters, while active designs combine passive devices with tunable filters. The primary challenges in these devices is to minimize cross-talk and maximize channel separation. Cross-talk is a measure of how well the channels are separated, while channel separation refers to the ability to distinguish each wavelength

Usually Transponders have following optical parameters to monitor:

Transponder is the integrated part of WDM systems use to transmit signal over a DWDM link. This module takes black and white or grey signals as input on 1310nm, 1550nm or 850nm and converts those signals into colored channels or certain frequencies in C or L band. This is achieved by using optical-electrical-optical conversion mechanism. Transponders along with Optical source also includes complex components that helps signal in serialization and deserialization of frames, control and monitoring capabilities etc.

There are two types of transponders: 

• optical – to – electrical – to – optical (O – E – O)
• optical – to – optical (O – O). 

The O – E – O transponder may also act as a 3R repeater; that is, it performs signal reshaping, retiming, and reconstitution or gain; O – E – Os are more complex and more expensive, Because the signal is converted to electronic, an O – E – O node allows for add – drop functionality, in addition to simple optical relay or transponder. 

The O – O transponder, or optical relay, is technologically more attractive because it performs direct optical – to – optical amplification using optical amplifiers (doped fiber – based (EDFA) or semiconductor optical amplifiers (SOA)) thus acting as an all – optical relay. 

Dense Wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) is a technology used to combine or retrieve two or more optical signals of different optical center wavelengths or frequencies in a fiber. This allows fiber capacity to be expanded in the frequency domain from one channel to greater than 100 channels. This is accomplished by first converting standard, non-DWDM optical signals to signals with unique WDM wavelengths or frequencies that will correspond to the available channel center wavelengths in the WDM multiplexer and demultiplexer. Typically, this is done by replacing non-WDM transceivers with the proper WDM channel transceivers. WDM channels are defined and labeled by their center wavelength or frequency and channel spacing. The WDM channel assignment process is an industry standard defined in International Telecommunications Union (ITU-T). Then different WDM signal wavelengths are combined over one fiber by the WDM multiplexer. In the fiber, the individual signals propagate with minimal interaction assuming low signal power. For high powers, multiple interactions can occur. Once the signals reach the fiber link end, the WDM demultiplexer separates the signals by their wavelengths, back to individual fibers that are connected to their respective equipment receivers. Optical receivers have a broad reception spectrum, which includes all of C band. Many receivers can also receive signals with wavelengths down to O band.

Q. What is SDH ?

SDH stands for Synchronous Digital Hierarchy & is an international Standard for a high capacity optical telecommunications network.It is a synchronous digital transport system aimed at providing a more simple,economical,& flexible teleccommunication infrastructure.

Q. What is the difference between SONET and SDH?

A. To begin with there is no STS-1. The first level in the SDH hierarchy is STM-1 (Synchronous Transport Mode 1) is has a line rate of 155.52 Mb/s. This is equivalent to SONET’s STS-3c. Then would come STM-4 at 622.08 Mb/s and STM-16 at 2488.32 Mb/s. The other difference is in the overhead bytes which are defined slightly differently for SDH. A common misconception is that STM-Ns are formed by multiplexing STM-1s. STM-1s, STM-4s and STM-16s that terminate on a network node are broken down to recover the VCs which they contain. The outbound STM-Ns are then reconstructed with new overheads.

Q. What are the advantages of SDH over PDH ?

The increased configuration flexibility and bandwidth availability of SDH provides significant advantages over the older telecommunications system.
These advantages include:
A reduction in the amount of equipment and an increase in network reliability.
The provision of overhead and payload bytes – the overhead bytes permitting management of the payload bytes on an individual basis and facilitating centralized Fault sectionalisation.-nearly 5% of signal structure allocated for this purpose.
The definition of a synchronous multiplexing format for carrying lower-level digital signals (such as 2 Mbit/s, 34 Mbit/s, 140 Mbit/s) which greatly simplifies the interface to digital switches, digital cross-connects, and add-drop multiplexers.
The availability of a set of generic standards, which enable multi-vendor interoperability.
The definition of a flexible architecture capable of accommodating future applications, with a variety of transmission rates.Existing & future signals can be accomodated.

Q. What are the main limitations of PDH ?

The main limitations of PDH are:
Inability to identify individual channels in a higher-order bit stream.
Insufficient capacity for network management
Most PDH network management is proprietary
There’s no standardised definition of PDH bit rates greater than 140 Mbit/s
There are different hierarchies in use around the world. Specialized interface equipment is required to interwork the two hierarchies

Q. What are some timing/sync defining rules of thumb?

1. A node can only receive the synchronization referencesignal from another node that contains a clock ofequivalent or superior quality (Stratum level).
2. The facilities with the greatest availability (absence of outages) should be selected forsynchronization facilities.
3. Where possible, all primary and secondary synchronization facilities should be diverse, and synchronization facilities within the same cable should be minimized.
4. The total number of nodes in series from the stratum 1 source should be minimized. For example, the primary synchronization network would ideally look like a star configuration with the stratum 1 source at the center. The nodes connected to the star would branch out in decreasing stratum level from the center
5. No timing loops may be formed in any combination of primary

Q. What is meant by “Plesiochronous” ?

If two digital signals are Plesiochronous, their transitions occur at “almost” the same rate, with any variation being constrained within tight limits. These limits are set down in ITU-T recommendation G.811. For example, if two networks need to interwork, their clocks may be derived from two different PRCs. Although these clocks are extremely accurate, there’s a small frequency difference between one clock and the other. This is known as a plesiochronous difference.

Q. What is meant by “Synchronous” ?

In a set of Synchronous signals, the digital transitions in the signals occur at exactly the same rate. There may however be a phase difference between the transitions of the two signals, and this would lie within specified limits. These phase differences may be due to propagation time delays, or low-frequency wander introduced in the transmission network. In a synchronous network, all the clocks are traceable to one Stratum 1 Primary Reference Clock (PRC).

Q. What is meant by “Asynchronous” ?

In the case of Asynchronous signals, the transitions of the signals don’t necessarily occur at the same nominal rate. Asynchronous, in this case, means that the difference between two clocks is much greater than a plesiochronous difference. For example, if two clocks are derived from free-running quartz oscillators, they could be described as asynchronous.

Q. What are the various steps in multiplexing ?

The multiplexing principles of SDH follow, using these terms and definitions:

Mapping: A process used when tributaries are adapted into Virtual Containers (VCs) by adding justification bits and Path Overhead (POH) information.

Aligning: This process takes place when a pointer is included in a Tributary Unit (TU) or an Administrative Unit (AU), to allow the first byte of the Virtual Container to be located.

Multiplexing: This process is used when multiple lower-order path layer signals are adapted into a higher-order path signal, or when the higher-order path signals are adapted into a Multiplex Section.

Stuffing: As the tributary signals are multiplexed and aligned, some spare capacity has been designed into the SDH frame to provide enough space for all the various tributary rates. Therefore, at certain points in the multiplexing hierarchy, this space capacity is filled with “fixed stuffing” bits that carry no information, but are required to fill up the particular frame.

Explain 1+1 protection. In 1+1 protection switching, there is a protection facility (backup line) for each working facility At the near end the optical signal is bridged permanently (split into two signals) and sent over both the working and the protection facilities simultaneously, producing a working signal and a protection signal that are identical.At the Far End of the section, both signalsare monitored independently for failures. The receiving equipment selects either the working or the protection signal. This selection is based on the switch initiation criteria which are either a signal fail (hard failure such as the loss of frame (LOF) within an optical signal), or a signal degrade (soft failure caused by the error rate exceeding some pre-defined value).

Explain 1:N protection. In 1:N protection switching, there is one protection facility for several working facilities (the range is from 1 to 14). In 1:N protection architecture, all communication from the Near End to the Far End is carried out over the APS channel, using the K1 and K2 bytes. All switching is revertive; that is, the traffic reverts to the working facility as soon as the failure has been corrected.

In 1:N protection switching, optical signals are normally sent only over the working facilities, with the protection facility being kept free until a working facility fails.

Q. If voice traffic is still intelligible to the listener in a relatively poor communication channel, why isn’t it easy to pass it across a network optimized for data?

A. Data communication requires very low Bit-error Ratio (BER) for high throughput but does not require constrained propagation, processing, or storage delay. Voice calls, on the other hand, are insensitive to relatively high BER, but very sensitive to delay over a threshold of a few tens of milliseconds. This insensitivity to BER is a function of the human brain’s ability to interpolate the message content, while sensitivity to delay stems from the interactive nature (full-duplex) of voice calls. Data networks are optimized for bit integrity, but end-to-end delay and delay variation are not directly controlled. Delay variation can vary widely for a given connection, since the dynamic path routing schemes typical of some data networks may involve varying numbers of nodes (for example, routers). In addition, the echo-cancellers deployed to handle known excess delay on a long voice path are automatically disabled when the path is used for data. These factors tend to disqualify data networks for voice transport if traditional public switched telephone network (PSTN) quality is desired.

Q. How does synchronization differ from timing?

A. These terms are commonly used interchangeably to refer to the process of providing suitable accurate clocking frequencies to the components of the synchronous network. The terms are sometimes used differently. In cellular wireless systems, for example, “timing” is often applied to ensure close alignment (in real time) of control pulses from different transmitters; “synchronization” refers to the control of clocking frequencies.

Q. If I adopt sync status messages in my sync distribution plan, do I have to worry about timing loops?

A. Yes. Source Specific Multicasts (SSMs) are certainly a very useful tool for minimizing the occurrence of timing loops, but in some complex connectivities they are not able to absolutely preclude timing loop conditions. In a site with multiple Synchronous Optical Network (SONET) rings, for example, there are not enough capabilities for communicating all the necessary SSM information between the SONET network elements and the Timing Signal Generator (TSG) to cover the potential timing paths under all fault conditions. Thus, a comprehensive fault analysis is still required when SSMs are deployed to ensure that a timing loop does not develop.

Q. If ATM is asynchronous by definition, why is synchronization even mentioned in the same sentence?

A. The term Asynchronous Transfer Mode applies to layer 2 of the OSI 7-layer model (the data link layer), whereas the term synchronous network applies to layer 1 (the physical layer). Layers 2, 3, and so on, always require a physical layer which, for ATM, is typically SONET or Synchronous Digital Hierarchy (SDH); thus the “asynchronous” ATM system is often associated with a “synchronous” layer 1. In addition, if the ATM network offers circuit emulation service (CES), also referred to as constant bit-rate (CBR), then synchronous operation (that is, traceability to a primary reference source) is required to support the preferred timing transport mechanism, Synchronous Residual Time Stamp (SRTS).

Q. Most network elements have internal stratum 3 clocks with 4.6ppm accuracy, so why does the network master clock need to be as accurate as one part in 10^11?

A. Although the requirements for a stratum 3 clock specify a free-run accuracy (also pull-in range) of 4.6ppm, a network element (NE) operating in a synchronous environment is never in free-run mode. Under normal conditions, the NE internal clock tracks (and is described as being a traceable to) a Primary Reference Source that meets stratum 1 long-term accuracy of one part in 10^11.
This accuracy was originally chosen because it was available as a national primary reference source from a cesium-beam oscillator, and it ensured adequately low slip-rate at international gateways.
Note: If primary reference source (PRS) traceability is lost by the NE, it enters holdover mode. In this mode, the NE clock’s tracking phase lock loop (PLL) does not revert to its free-run state, it freezes its control point at the last valid tracking value. The clock accuracy then drifts elegantly away from the desired traceable value, until the fault is repaired and traceability is restored.

Q. What are the acceptable limits for slip and/or pointer adjustment rates when designing a sync network?

A. When designing a network’s synchronization distribution sub-system, the targets for sync performance are zero slips and zero pointer adjustments during normal conditions. In a real-world network, there are enough uncontrolled variables that these targets will not be met over any reasonable time, but it is not acceptable practice to design for a given level of degradation (with the exception of multiple timing island operation, when a worst-case slip-rate of no more than one slip in 72 days between islands is considered negligible). The zero-tolerance design for normal conditions is supported by choosing distribution architectures and clocking components that limit slip-rates and pointer adjustment rates to acceptable levels of degradation during failure (usually double-failure) conditions.

Q. Why is it necessary to spend time and effort on synchronization in telecom networks when the basic requirement is simple, and when computer LANs have never bothered with it?

A. The requirement for PRS traceability of all signals in a synchronous network at all times is certainly simple, but it is deceptively simple. The details of how to provide traceability in a geographically distributed matrix of different types of equipment at different signal levels, under normal and multiple-failure conditions, in a dynamically evolving network, are the concerns of every sync coordinator. Given the number of permutations and combinations of all these factors, the behavior of timing signals in a real-world environment must be described and analyzed statistically. Thus, sync distribution network design is based on minimizing the probability of losing traceability while accepting the reality that this probability can never be zero.

Q. How many stratum 2 and/or stratum 3E TSGs can be chained either in parallel or series from a PRS?

A. There are no defined figures in industry standards. The sync network designer must choose sync distribution architecture and the number of PRSs and then the number and quality of TSGs based on cost-performance trade-offs for the particular network and its services.

Q. Is synchronization required for non-traditional services such as voice-over-IP?

A. The answer to this topical question depends on the performance required (or promised) for the service. Usually, Voice-over-IP is accepted to have a low quality reflecting its low cost (both relative to traditional PSTN voice service). If a high slip-rate and interruptions can be accepted, then the voice terminal clocks could well be free-running. If, however, a high voice quality is the objective (especially if voice-band modems including Fax are to be accommodated) then you must control slip occurrence to a low probability by synchronization to industry standards. You must analyze any new service or delivery method for acceptable performance relative to the expectations of the end-user before you can determine the need for synchronization.

Q. Why is a timing loop so bad, and why is it so difficult to fix?

A. Timing loops are inherently unacceptable because they preclude having the affected NEs synchronized to the PRS. The clock frequencies are traceable to an unpredictable unknown quantity; that is, the hold-in frequency limit of one of the affected NE clocks. By design, this is bound to be well outside the expected accuracy of the clock after several days in holdover, so performance is guaranteed to become severely degraded.
The difficulty in isolating the instigator of a timing loop condition is a function of two factors: first, the cause is unintentional (a lack of diligence in analyzing all fault conditions, or an error in provisioning, for example) so no obvious evidence exists in the network’s documentation. Secondly, there are no sync-specific alarms, since each affected NE accepts the situation as normal. Consequently, you must carry out trouble isolation without the usual maintenance tools, relying on a knowledge of the sync distribution topology and on an analysis of data on slip counts and pointer counts that is not usually automatically correlated.

Q.How do you get value of an E1 as 2.048Mbps?

A.As we know that voice signal is of frequency 3.3 Khz,and as per the Nyquist Rate or PCM quantization rate for transmission we required signal of >=2f(here ‘f’ is GIF [3.3]=4).and each sample of data is a byte. DS0: provides one 64kbps channel.E1: 32 DS0 or 32 channels with 64kbps

Also we know that voice signal frame consisits of 32 bytes .Hence value of an E1 will be

=2x4Khzx8bitsx32slots
=2.048Mbps

OR

PCM multiplexing is carried out with the sampling process, sampling the analog sources sequentially. These
sources may be the nominal 4-kHz voice channels or other information sources that have a 4-kHz bandwidth, such as data or freeze-frame video. The final result of the sampling and subsequent quantization and coding is a series of electrical pulses, a serial bit stream of 1s and 0s that requires some identification or indication of the beginning of a sampling sequence. This identification is necessary so that the far-end receiver knows exactly when the sampling sequence starts. Once the receiver receives the “indication,” it knows a priori (in the case of DS1) that 24 eight-bit slots follow. It synchronizes the receiver. Such identification is carried out by a framing bit, and one full sequence or cycle of samples is called a frame in PCM terminology.
Consider the framing structure of E1
PCM system using 8-level coding (e.g., 2^8= 256 quantizing steps or distinct PCM code words). Actually 256 samples of a signal will be sufficient to regenerate the original signal and each signal is made up of 1 or 0.

The E1 European PCM system is a 32-channel system. Of the 32 channels, 30 transmit speech (or data) derived from incoming telephone trunks and the remaining 2 channels transmit synchronization-alignment and signaling information. Each channel is allotted an 8-bit time slot (TS), and we tabulate TS 0 through 31 as follows:
TS TYPE OF INFORMATION
0 Synchronizing (framing)
1–15 Speech
16 Signaling
17–31 Speech
In TS 0 a synchronizing code or word is transmitted every second frame, occupying digits 2 through 8 as 0011011. In those frames without the synchronizing word, the second bit of TS 0 is frozen at a 1 so that in these frames the synchronizing word cannot be imitated. The remaining bits of TS 0 can be used for the transmission of supervisory information signals .Again, E1 in its primary rate format transmits 32 channels of 8-bit time slots. An E1 frame therefore has 8*32 =256 bits. There is no framing bit. Framing alignment is
carried out in TS 0.

The E1 bit rate to the line is:256 *8000 = 2, 048, 000 bps or 2.048 Mbps

Question for you Electrical E1 is ac or dc in nature????

Tell me about yourself: – The most often asked question in interviews. You need to have a short statement prepared in your mind. Be careful that it does not sound rehearsed. Limit it to work-related items unless instructed otherwise. Talk about things you have done and jobs you have held that relate to the position you are interviewing for. Start with the item farthest back and work up to the present.

Why did you leave your last job? – Stay positive regardless of the circumstances. Never refer to a major problem with management and never speak ill of supervisors, co-workers or the organization. If you do, you will be the one looking bad. Keep smiling and talk about leaving for a positive reason such as an opportunity, a chance to do something special or other forward-looking reasons.

What experience do you have in this field? – Speak about specifics that relate to the position you are applying for. If you do not have specific experience, get as close as you can.

Do you consider yourself successful? – You should always answer yes and briefly explain why. A good explanation is that you have set goals, and you have met some and are on track to achieve the others.

What do co-workers say about you? – Be prepared with a quote or two from co-workers. Either a specific statement or a paraphrase will work. Jill Clark, a co-worker at Smith Company, always said I was the hardest workers she had ever known. It is as powerful as Jill having said it at the interview herself.

What do you know about this organization? – This question is one reason to do some research on the organization before the interview. Find out where they have been and where they are going. What are the current issues and who are the major players?

What have you done to improve your knowledge in the last year? – Try to include improvement activities that relate to the job. A wide variety of activities can be mentioned as positive self-improvement. Have some good ones handy to mention.

Are you applying for other jobs? – Be honest but do not spend a lot of time in this area. Keep the focus on this job and what you can do for this organization. Anything else is a distraction.

Why do you want to work for this organization? – This may take some thought and certainly, should be based on the research you have done on the organization. Sincerity is extremely important here and will easily be sensed. Relate it to your long-term career goals.

Do you know anyone who works for us? – Be aware of the policy on relatives working for the organization. This can affect your answer even though they asked about friends not relatives. Be careful to mention a friend only if they are well thought of.

What kind of salary do you need? – A loaded question. A nasty little game that you will probably lose if you answer first. So, do not answer it. Instead, say something like, That’s a tough question. Can you tell me the range for this position? In most cases, the interviewer, taken off guard, will tell you. If not, say that it can depend on the details of the job. Then give a wide range.

Are you a team player? – You are, of course, a team player. Be sure to have examples ready. Specifics that show you often perform for the good of the team rather than for yourself are good evidence of your team attitude. Do not brag, just say it in a matter-of-fact tone. This is a key point.

How long would you expect to work for us if hired? – Specifics here are not good. Something like this should work: I’d like it to be a long time. Or As long as we both feel I’m doing a good job.

Have you ever had to fire anyone? How did you feel about that? – This is serious. Do not make light of it or in any way seem like you like to fire people. At the same time, you will do it when it is the right thing to do. When it comes to the organization versus the individual who has created a harmful situation, you will protect the organization. Remember firing is not the same as layoff or reduction in force.

What is your philosophy towards work? – The interviewer is not looking for a long or flowery dissertation here. Do you have strong feelings that the job gets done? Yes. That’s the type of answer that works best here. Short and positive, showing a benefit to the organization.

If you had enough money to retire right now, would you? – Answer yes if you would. But since you need to work, this is the type of work you prefer. Do not say yes if you do not mean it.

Have you ever been asked to leave a position? – If you have not, say no. If you have, be honest, brief and avoid saying negative things about the people or organization involved.

Explain how you would be an asset to this organization – You should be anxious for this question. It gives you a chance to highlight your best points as they relate to the position being discussed. Give a little advance thought to this relationship.

Why should we hire you? – Point out how your assets meet what the organization needs. Do not mention any other candidates to make a comparison.

Tell me about a suggestion you have made – Have a good one ready. Be sure and use a suggestion that was accepted and was then considered successful. One related to the type of work applied for is a real plus.
What irritates you about co-workers? – This is a trap question. Think real hard but fail to come up with anything that irritates you. A short statement that you seem to get along with folks is great.

What is your greatest strength? – Numerous answers are good, just stay positive. A few good examples: Your ability to prioritize, Your problem-solving skills, Your ability to work under pressure, Your ability to focus on projects, Your professional expertise, Your leadership skills, Your positive attitude .

Tell me about your dream job – Stay away from a specific job. You cannot win. If you say the job you are contending for is it, you strain credibility. If you say another job is it, you plant the suspicion that you will be dissatisfied with this position if hired. The best is to stay genetic and say something like: A job where I love the work, like the people, can contribute and can’t wait to get to work.

Why do you think you would do well at this job? – Give several reasons and include skills, experience and interest.

What kind of person would you refuse to work with? – Do not be trivial. It would take disloyalty to the organization, violence or lawbreaking to get you to object. Minor objections will label you as a whiner.

What is more important to you: the money or the work? – Money is always important, but the work is the most important. There is no better answer.

What would your previous supervisor say your strongest point is? – There are numerous good possibilities: Loyalty, Energy, Positive attitude, Leadership, Team player, Expertise, Initiative, Patience, Hard work, Creativity, Problem solver

Tell me about a problem you had with a supervisor – Biggest trap of all. This is a test to see if you will speak ill of your boss. If you fall for it and tell about a problem with a former boss, you may well below the interview right there. Stay positive and develop a poor memory about any trouble with a supervisor.

What has disappointed you about a job? – Don’t get trivial or negative. Safe areas are few but can include: Not enough of a challenge. You were laid off in a reduction Company did not win a contract, which would have given you more responsibility.

Tell me about your ability to work under pressure – You may say that you thrive under certain types of pressure. Give an example that relates to the type of position applied for.

Do your skills match this job or another job more closely? – Probably this one. Do not give fuel to the suspicion that you may want another job more than this one.

What motivates you to do your best on the job? – This is a personal trait that only you can say, but good examples are: Challenge, Achievement, Recognition

Are you willing to work overtime? Nights? Weekends? – This is up to you. Be totally honest.

How would you know you were successful on this job? – Several ways are good measures: You set high standards for yourself and meet them. Your outcomes are a success.Your boss tell you that you are successful

Would you be willing to relocate if required? – You should be clear on this with your family prior to the interview if you think there is a chance it may come up. Do not say yes just to get the job if the real answer is no. This can create a lot of problems later on in your career. Be honest at this point and save yourself future grief.

Are you willing to put the interests of the organization ahead of your own? – This is a straight loyalty and dedication question. Do not worry about the deep ethical and philosophical implications. Just say yes.

Describe your management style. – Try to avoid labels. Some of the more common labels, like progressive, salesman or consensus, can have several meanings or descriptions depending on which management expert you listen to. The situational style is safe, because it says you will manage according to the situation, instead of one size fits all.

What have you learned from mistakes on the job? – Here you have to come up with something or you strain credibility. Make it small, well intentioned mistake with a positive lesson learned. An example would be working too far ahead of colleagues on a project and thus throwing coordination off.

Do you have any blind spots? – Trick question. If you know about blind spots, they are no longer blind spots. Do not reveal any personal areas of concern here. Let them do their own discovery on your bad points. Do not hand it to them.

If you were hiring a person for this job, what would you look for? – Be careful to mention traits that are needed and that you have.

Do you think you are overqualified for this position? – Regardless of your qualifications, state that you are very well qualified for the position.

How do you propose to compensate for your lack of experience? – First, if you have experience that the interviewer does not know about, bring that up: Then, point out (if true) that you are a hard working quick learner.

What qualities do you look for in a boss? – Be generic and positive. Safe qualities are knowledgeable, a sense of humor, fair, loyal to subordinates and holder of high standards. All bosses think they have these traits.

Tell me about a time when you helped resolve a dispute between others. – Pick a specific incident. Concentrate on your problem solving technique and not the dispute you settled.

What position do you prefer on a team working on a project? – Be honest. If you are comfortable in different roles, point that out.

Describe your work ethic. – Emphasize benefits to the organization. Things like, determination to get the job done and work hard but enjoy your work are good.

What has been your biggest professional disappointment? – Be sure that you refer to something that was beyond your control. Show acceptance and no negative feelings.

Tell me about the most fun you have had on the job. – Talk about having fun by accomplishing something for the organization.

Do you have any questions for me? – Always have some questions prepared. Questions prepared where you will be an asset to the organization are good. How soon will I be able to be productive? and What type of projects will I be able to assist on? are examples.

P.S: revert for new ideas and questions

Questions on WDM Technology

• How to determine aggregate output power of a WDM?
• Spectral width wavelength to frequency conversion.
• Difference between CWDM and DWDM.
• What is Red band and Blue band?
• What is dark fibre and dim fibre?
• What are dark fibre considerations?
• How many types of optical fibres?
• Specifications of Multimode Fibre?
• How many types of Single mode Optical fibres.
• What are dispersion and attenuation coefficient of NDSF.
• If for same distance OTDR done and wavelength changed, will it show any difference in Losses?
• What is micro bending and macro bending?
• What is fibre characterization?
• Types of patch cord.
• What is Linear and nonlinear impairments
• What is Stimulated Raman Scattering (SRS)?
• What is Stimulated Brillouin Scattering (SBS)?
• What is Four Wave Mixing (FWM)?
• What is Intensity Modulation (MI)?
• What is Self phase modulation (SPM)?
• What is Cross phase Modulation (CPM or XPM)?
• How to reduce FWM impact?
• What is impact of linear and nonlinear effects in DWDM network?
• What are 3R, 2R and 1R?
• What are types of Pluggable Optics?
• What is common optical specification of Optical Transceiver (Pluggable Optics or Transponder)?
• What is fixed optics?
• If for point to point fiber link, two routers are connected and LX SFP used. If losses increased in fibre, what are possibilities to keep the link working?Want to connect client who is 300 kms apart. I don’t want to use EoSDH. I have 1000base ZX SFP. Can I send my link using 5 amplifiers.
• Types of Receivers?
• Why Receiver Sensitivity is so important for optical module?
• How many types of Amplifiers used in DWDM network?
• Raman Amplifier specification Vs. EDFA Specification.
• Difference between EDFA and Raman amplifier?
• Typical application of Raman amplifier.
• What is Dual or Double stage amplification?
• What are probable causes when second amplifier is getting low input power or no power, while first amplifier is transmitting target power in Dual stage amplifier?
• What is Hybrid Amplification?
• What is difference between Pre- Amplifier and Post- Amplifier (Booster)?
• What is power control mode and Gain control mode?
• What is effect of Amplifier gain on OSNR while reducing or increasing flat gain? (Linkedin).
• What are Specifications of Optical Amplifiers?
• What is gain tilt and Gain ripple?
• How amplifier positioned in Bidirectional Single fiber DWDM network?
• How WDM Works?
• What are typical specifications of DWDM MUX?
• What is Maximum channel capacity of DWDM channel?
• What are key attributes for selecting OADM?
• What are optical specifications of OADM?
• What is CWDM?
• What is channel equalization? What is impact of non-uniform power spectrum?
• What are probable causes when among 10 channels; one transponder at remote end is getting power below set threshold?
• How equalization can be checked?
• What is PMD?
• What is DGD?
• Is there any correlation between chromatic dispersion and PMD?
• What is Linear and nonlinear impairments?
• What is dispersion?
• What are the types of dispersion?
• What is Pilot Tone in WDM?
• How CD and PMD limits vary with channels and bitrate?
• What is FEC?
• How does FEC impact OSNR and BER value of a link?
• What is Q factor?
• Why we simulate Q rather BER?
• What is OSNR and what is its significance?
• How to improve OSNR of a link?
• At what point OSNR is max and min in a WDM link?
• What is OSC in DWDM link? What are the wavelengths used for it?
• What is the bandwidth of OSC signal?
• Where is OSC signal introduced in a DWDM link?
• What if OSC is inserted on MUX port?
• Why 3dB is crucial factor in WDM and what does it mean?
• What is dead zone and why it is created in Photonic’s spectrum?
• What is centre frequency and how is it important?
• What is channel width slot width, channel spacing and centre frequency?
• What is the modulation techniques used in current for WDM transmission?
• What is the difference between transponder and muxponder ?
• What are the type of module used for transmitter and receiver in WDM link?
• Why EDFA is considered as best for commercial use?
• How RAMAN amplifier is used in the network?
• What is the frequency band for EDFA and RAMAN?
• Whether EDFA can be used in bidirectional WDM and if yes how?
• What is composite power and how it is measured?
• How to measure composite power when all input powers are different?
• How monitoring ports work on WDM cards?
• What are the causes and source of ASE generation in WDM link?
• Do we place attenuator with EDFA amplifiers and if yes where?
• Why we put DCM in between two AMP in a WDM link?
• What is the maximum and minimum value of OSNR for a link?
• What are the different types of amplifiers available?
• What is Channel flatness and how it is important?
• Why changing power of one channel affects whole band power or composite power?
• Can you please tell me what the difference between, dB and dBm when you are trying to test fiber optic cable.
• What is ORL value? How does it matters in a link?
• What is BOL and EOL and what is the margin between them?
• Why there is ALS system on AMPs or photonic systems?
• Why is it required to create adjacencies or logical connection between MUX and Transponder and other elements in WDM network?
• What is fiber fuse and what is the cause for the same?
• What is chirp and what is it’s effect and how it affect a link?
• Why Raman is not used in place of EDFA ?
• What is Q factor ? and how it is calculated ?
• Noise figure ?
• How OSA tester works and what are different options in the test instrument ?
• Commissioning of new OCH in the network?
• Link budgeting and commisioning parameters ?
• Braggs Grating & AWG difference?
• How to test OSNR using OSA for 10G, 40G & 100G channels ?
• Soft DECISION & Hard DECISION FEC?
• What is osnr threshold for 10 / 40/ 100G?
• what is the max no. OF repeater can be used in a link?
• How alarm propogate when there is no frame structure in dwdm?
• What are the general alarms observed in a DWDM network?
• What are the performance parameters for DWDM elements.
• How DCM is used in DWDM?
• Can we use DCM in 100 G network?
• What is the channel spacing for hybrid channels(10/40/100/200) coherent and non coherent?
• Will a single mode connector work on multi-mode cable?
• How an optical power meter differs from an OTDR.
• Is it possible to convert optical fiber signal into cat5 and if yes how?
• Why do some power meters have calibration at 1300 nm while others are 1310 nm?
• What is flexgrid network?
• What is difference between CDC networks?
• What is WSS based technology?
• What is ITL used for?
• Why WDM network doesnot requires external SYNC ?
• How Extended shelf communicates in rack ?
• What are the passive and active components available in a DWDM network?
• How different modulation techniques affect technical parameters in a link?
• What are the various graphs generally used for representing WDM performance for a network?
• What if very high power launch from transmitter/OTDR with another end open.

FIber Technology Questions

1. What is optical fiber?
Optical fiber is a glass or plastic filament that guides a light wave along its path.

2. What is multimode fiber?
Multimode fiber is optical fiber that allows light to travel down multiple paths, also referred to as modes. It features a core diameter of 50 to 62.5 microns. Multimode fiber can be used to transmit AV signals in short to intermediate-distance applications, such as within a building.

3. What is singlemode fiber?
Singlemode fiber is optical fiber that allows light to travel down a single path known as the fundamental mode. It features a core diameter of 8 to 9 microns. Singlemode fiber can be used to transmit AV signals over extreme distances up to many miles or kilometers.

4. How is an AV signal transmitted down a fiber?
A fiber optic transmitter converts the AV signal into an optical signal, using a VCSEL or laser diode as a light source. A glass fiber guides the optical AV signal along its path. A photodetector in a fiber optic receiver at the far end of the fiber converts the optical AV signal back into an electrical AV signal.

5. What is a light-emitting diode?
A light-emitting diode — LED is a semiconductor device that emits light when an electrical current passes through it. An LED that emits visible light is used in a variety of applications, including signage, area lighting, numerical displays, and indicator lights on electrical equipment. In fiber optics, an LED is used as a light source for low-speed signals such as, TOSLINK or 100BASE-SX Ethernet, due to its low cost. An LED is not recommended for transmitting high speed video signals over fiber.

6. What is a laser diode?
A laser diode is a semiconductor device that emits a narrow beam of coherent light, such as the beam of light from a laser pointer. In AV fiber optic transmitters, laser diodes are used as the light source for transmitting video, audio, and control signals.

7. What is a VCSEL?
VCSEL stands for Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser. A VCSEL is a special type of laser diode that has lower manufacturing costs than other types of laser diodes. It can be mass-produced with high yield rates and has a smaller PCB footprint, making it ideal for use in fiber optic transmitters to send high resolution video, audio, and control signals.

8. What is a photodetector?
A photodetector is a semiconductor device that converts an optical signal into an electrical signal. A photodetector is used in a fiber optic receiver to convert optical AV signals.

9. What wavelengths are used with multimode fiber?
Multimode fiber is capable of transmitting a wavelength at or around 850 nm, 1300 nm, or 1550 nm. The most common wavelengths are 850 nm and 1300 nm due to the availability of low cost semiconductor light sources and photodetectors.

10. What wavelengths are used with singlemode fiber?
The most common wavelengths are 1310 nm and 1550 nm. At 1310 nm, chromatic dispersion is near zero, and at 1550 nm, attenuation is near its minimum. In OS1 singlemode fiber, wavelengths around 1390 nm should be avoided due to high attenuation caused by absorption. OS2 singlemode fiber is capable of transmitting any wavelength above its cutoff wavelength, which is typically around 1250 nm.

11. What is the cutoff wavelength for singlemode fiber?
The cutoff wavelength for singlemode fiber is the minimum wavelength that supports one mode of propagation. Above the cutoff wavelength, singlemode fiber propagates only one mode. Below the cutoff wavelength, singlemode fiber propagates more than one mode, similar to multimode fiber.