Module manager: Dr Farah Al-Sallami
Email: F.Al-Sallami@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2024/25
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module covers the essential elements of modern optical networks. The module looks at the development of wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM), the most popular, bandwidth-rich contemporary approach, its enabling technologies, node and network architectures. It provides the students with a knowledge of the optimisation methods used in optical network design, and investigates the performance of optical fiber communication systems under noise.
This module has the following objectives:
- To explore the superiority of optical-fibre communication, covering its advantages over established systems.
- To study the physical properties influencing light propagation in optical fibre and employ mathematical techniques to assess receiver performance amidst noise, and examine enabling technologies in modern optical networks.
- To learn about diverse WDM network architectures, such as broadcast-and-select and wavelength routing networks.
- To apply mathematical methods to optimize the design of optical networks, and develop a comprehensive understanding of key concepts in advanced communication technologies.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes:
1. Apply a comprehensive knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of complex optical communications problems. Much of the knowledge will be at the forefront of optical communications and informed by a critical awareness of new developments and the wider context of engineering.
2. Formulate and analyse complex optical communications problems to reach substantiated conclusions. This will involve evaluating available data using first principles of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles, and using engineering judgment to work with information that may be uncertain or incomplete, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed.
3. Select and apply appropriate computational and analytical techniques to model complex optical communications problems, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed.
4. Apply an integrated or systems approach to the solution of complex optical communications problems.
5. Select and apply appropriate materials, equipment, engineering technologies and processes, recognising their limitations.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills:
a) Application of science, mathematics and/or engineering principles
b) Problem analysis
c) Application of computational and analytical techniques
d) Integrated systems approach
e) Technical awareness of engineering materials, equipment, technologies, and processes
Topics may include, but are not limited to:
• Physical Properties affecting the propagation of light in Optical fiber
• Analogue and digital transmission under quantum noise
• Noise performance of optical baseband systems
• Optical amplifiers: erbium-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFA)
• WDM systems Enabling technologies: Tuneable sources and tuneable filters, couplers, isolators, circulators, optical multiplexers, photonic switches, optical amplifiers, wavelength converters
• WDM network architectures: broadcast-and-select and wavelength routing networks
• Optical network design and optimization: Link-Path Formulation, Node-Link Formulation, Notions and Notations, Dimensioning Problems, Shortest-Path Routing, Fair Networks, Topological Design, Restoration Design
• Technology based examples: Intra-domain IP traffic engineering, MPLS Network Design, WDM Network Design
Methods of Assessment
We are currently refreshing our modules to make sure students have the best possible experience. Full assessment details for this module are not available before the start of the academic year, at which time details of the assessment(s) will be provided.
Assessment for this module will consist of;
2 x Exam
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Examples Class | 9 | 1 | 9 |
| Lecture | 9 | 1 | 9 |
| Independent online learning hours | 15 | ||
| Private study hours | 117 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 18 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150 | ||
Students studying ELEC modules will receive formative feedback in a variety of ways, which may include the use of self-test quizzes on Minerva, practice questions/worked examples and (where appropriate) through verbal interaction with teaching staff and/or post-graduate demonstrators.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| In-course Assessment | Class Test | 30 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 30 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) | 3.0 Hrs 0 Mins | 70 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 70 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
There is no reading list for this module
Last updated: 7/31/2024
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