Abstract: An optical communication system and a communication network are disclosed herein capable of transmitting optical signals with high optical launch power over long distances with suppression of stimulated Brillouin scattering. A method of transmitting optical signals is also disclosed herein which comprises transmitting optical signals at high optical launch power with a high carrier-to-noise ratio (CNR). Passive optical networks disclosed herein provide greater reach and/or increased splits.

Abstract: A module for use in a passive optical network including a single coil of erbium and a passive optical splitter, whereby digital and analog signals pass through the module from a central office/head end and a subscriber premise, while only the analog signal passes through the single coil of erbium for signal amplification.

Abstract: An optical communication system and a communication network are disclosed herein capable of transmitting optical signals with high optical launch power over long distances. A method of transmitting optical signals is also disclosed herein which comprises transmitting optical signals at high optical launch power with a high CNR and low CTB and CSO.

Abstract: An optical communication system and a communication network are disclosed herein capable of transmitting optical signals with high optical launch power over long distances with suppression of stimulated Brillouin scattering. A method of transmitting optical signals is also disclosed herein which comprises transmitting optical signals at high optical launch power with a high carrier-to-noise ratio (CNR). Passive optical networks disclosed herein provide greater reach and/or increased splits.

Abstract: A wavelength selective optical cross-connect includes a first demultiplexor feeding into individually removable modules that in turn feed a first multiplexor, such that the cross-connect is expandable and repairable on a wavelength or waveband basis. The modules desirably include multiple optical components in the optical path, with components in each module matched to others in that module to provide module-to-module variation below that of the variation in module components. The modules desirably include an additional demultiplexor and multiplexor. The modules also desirably include wavelength or narrowband amplification together with power equalization. The modules may also include a switch fabric.

Abstract: Four-wave mixing of transmitted signals in a lightwave transmission system is reduced by (1) grouping the signals in pairs of adjacent frequencies, (2) increasing the frequency of every other pair by a fixed amount, and (3) decreasing the frequency of the remaining pairs by the same fixed amount, where the fixed amount is less than the permitted variation of the ITU grid.