FIBER SPAN LOSS AND DISPERSION MEASUREMENTS

摘要

An example embodiment of the invention includes a method and apparatus for supporting fiber span loss and dispersion measurements in the presence or absence of dispersion compensation elements (DCE). The technique may be used to configure a network link by accessing an optical signal at an ingress side of a connection point for a DCE coupling an egress side of a fiber span at the ingress side of the DCE to an optical amplifier at a connection point for an egress side of the DCE. The technique may include determining chromatic dispersion of the fiber span based on the optical signal and reporting information associated with chromatic dispersion. As a result, the technique may be used, for example, during initial system installation when user data signals and the DCE are not present as well as after the network begins carrying user traffic and after a DCE has been installed.