Optical Fiber and 10 Gigabit Ethernet

As 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GbE) is introduced into networks the physical limitations and properties of optical fiber introduce new challenges for a network designer. Due to the increased data rate, fiber effects, such as dispersion (intermodal, chromatic, or polarization), become a factor in the achievable distances of 10GbE links. This leaves the network designer with new decisions and trade-offs that he/she must understand and overcome. This technical paper from the 10 Gigabit Ethernet Alliance provides an introduction to the world of optical fiber and covers the unique network design issues that 10GbE introduces into an optical fiber network.