Any device used to modify any characteristic of an optical signal (lightwave) for the purpose of conveying information.

See wavelength-division multiplexing.

Terminates the fiber network in an FTTP FTTx scenario. Typically the ONT provides the NID function. One per home subscriber.

A network element that is part of a fiber-in-the-loop system interfacing the customer analog access cables and the fiber facilities. [T1.508-1998]

1. In a medium of constant refractive index, n, the product of the geometric distance and the refractive index.
2. In a medium of varying refractive index, the integral of ns, where s is an element of length along the path, and n is the local refractive index.
Note: Optical path length is proportional to the phase shift that a… (Read More →)

The extra optical power required to account for degradations due to reflections, intersymbol interference, and mode partition noise. [T1.646-1995]

See radiant power.

In a fiber-optic communication link, the allocation of available optical power (launched into a given fiber by a given source) among various loss-producing mechanisms such as launch coupling loss, fiber attenuation, splice losses, and connector losses, in order to ensure that adequate signal strength (optical power) is available at the receiver.
Note 1: The optical power budget is usually specified… (Read More →)

In an optical communications link, the difference between (a) the optical power that is launched by a given transmitter into the fiber, less transmission losses from all causes, and (b) the minimum optical power that is required by the receiver for a specified level of performance.
Note 1: The optical power margin is usually expressed in dB. At least several… (Read More →)

A device that detects an optical signal, converts it to an electrical signal, and processes the electrical signal as required for further use.