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The Open University

Digital communications

The Open University via OpenLearn

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Overview

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Optical-fibre communications became commercially viable in the 1970s and innovation continues today. This free course, Digital communications, will illustrate how very high data rates can be transmitted over long distances through optical fibres. You will learn how these fibres are linked, examine the technology used and assess the future direction of this continually developing area of communication.

Syllabus

  • Introduction
  • Learning outcomes
  • 1 Optical fibre communication: introduction
  • 1 Optical fibre communication: introduction
  • 1.1 Uses of optical fibre in communication
  • 1.2 Wavelength or frequency?
  • 2 Elements of an optical-fibre link
  • 2 Elements of an optical-fibre link
  • 2.1 Light sources and detectors
  • 2.2 Fibre types
  • 2.3 Attenuation
  • 2.4 Pulse spreading and bandwidth
  • 2.4.1 Multimode distortion
  • 2.4.2 Dispersion in single-mode fibre
  • 2.4.3 Polarization mode distortion
  • 2.5 Non-Linearity
  • 2.6 Connecting and splicing fibres
  • 2.6.1 Connectors
  • 2.6.2 Splicing
  • 2.7 Cabling
  • 3 Optical components
  • 3 Optical components
  • 3.1 Introduction
  • 3.2 Directional couplers
  • 3.3 Optical amplifiers
  • 3.4 Optical switches
  • 3.5 Wavelength multiplexing and demultiplexing
  • 4 Developments and future directions in optical-fibre communications
  • 4 Developments and future directions in optical-fibre communications
  • 4.1 Introduction
  • 4.2 Fibre in the core network
  • 4.3 Optical networking
  • 4.4 Fibre in the access network
  • 4.4.1 FTTCab, FTTC, FTTB and hybrid coaxial fibre
  • 4.4.2 Passive optical networks and Ethernet in the first mile
  • 4.5 Fibre in LANs
  • 4.5.1 Gigabit Ethernet
  • 4.5.2 10 Gigabit Ethernet
  • 4.6 Conclusion to Section 4
  • Conclusion
  • Appendices
  • Appendix 1 Terminology
  • Appendix 2 Acronyms
  • References
  • Acknowledgements

Tags

Reviews

4.8 rating, based on 4 Class Central reviews

4.2 rating at OpenLearn based on 20 ratings

Start your review of Digital communications

  • Angelina Jacinto Moiane
    I am so proud of everything I have learned from this course because now, I understand how digital communications works. It is not just a issue of transmission of datas. The information has a long path to achieve at the destination and this process involves optical fibres, modulation of the signal, and many other things.
  • Profile image for Shreeja G
    Shreeja G
    The OpenLearn course was informative, well-structured, and easy to understand. The content was presented in a clear and engaging manner, with practical examples that helped in better understanding of concepts. The learning materials, videos, and activities were useful and enhanced my knowledge of the subject. The course improved my analytical and problem-solving skills and provided valuable insights applicable to real-world situations. The self-paced format allowed flexible learning, making it convenient to balance studies. Overall, the course was beneficial, enriching, and highly recommended for learners seeking conceptual clarity and skill development.
  • Mohammadreza Malekoltojjari
    My experience was really good. I learnt many things and gained knowledge of various concepts which were unknown to me. It gave me confidence to teach the subject as I had a better understanding about it. Thank you.
  • Profile image for Punit Gavali
    Punit Gavali
    It was Excellent learning at your platform .It helped me analyse my digi communication at my peak extent
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