Abstract: Various embodiments relate to an in-band measurement of the optical signal-to-noise ratio (OSNR) of an optical signal in an optically-amplified transmission system. A demodulation device may tap a transmission fiber to receive an optical signal containing a low-frequency signal. A filter may implement first and second passbands to filter portions of an optical channel in the optical signal. Once the filtered channel is converted to first and second target electrical signals, a measurement circuit may take measurements of DC and AC components for each of the target electrical signals. Based on measurements of the two target electrical signals, the demodulation device may calculate the OSNR as a function of the DC and AC components, or as a function of the adjustment factors between first and second passbands of the optical channel represented by the first and second target electrical signals.

Abstract: Various embodiments relate to an in-band measurement of the optical signal-to-noise ratio (OSNR) of an optical signal in an optically-amplified transmission system. A demodulation device may tap a transmission fiber to receive an optical signal containing a low-frequency signal. A filter may implement first and second passbands to filter portions of an optical channel in the optical signal. Once the filtered channel is converted to first and second target electrical signals, a measurement circuit may take measurements of DC and AC components for each of the target electrical signals. Based on measurements of the two target electrical signals, the demodulation device may calculate the OSNR as a function of the DC and AC components, or as a function of the adjustment factors between first and second passbands of the optical channel represented by the first and second target electrical signals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing optical channel performance management on a WDM system while in operation is disclosed in which each transmitter and receiver uses forward error-correction schemes to improve the BER performance of the channel in a known relation to the performance before error-correction. The receiver measures the BER performance before error-correction in real-time and communicates it to a system manager which determines, from this data, the appropriate launch power of each transmitter in the system, which it commands each transmitter to adopt, thereby ensuring relative launch powers which optimize the overall BER performance of the WDM multiplexed signal.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an operational algorithm, and calibration process, for an avalanche photodiode (ADP) receiver which takes into account an APD behavioral model. In-situ optical and electrical measurements (calibration) of the APD are performed to determine key constants for use in the model. Knowledge of these constants allows for optimum operation of the APD over a wide range of input optical power. The operational algorithm also gives an estimate of input optical power over a wide range of ambient temperatures.