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     CSC/ECE 778 Optical Networks
 

A study of optical networks with wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) technology. Topics include: optical fiber and transmission technology; first generation optical networks (SONET); optical access networks; wavelength routing networks; related protocols and standards. 3 credit hours

  
     

Prerequisite
  

CSC/ECE 570 – Computer Networks (or equivalent)

CSC/ECE 573 – Internet Protocols (or equivalent)

Good working knowledge of high level programming languages, e.g., C, C++, or Java

 
Course Objectives  

At the conclusion of the course, students should be able to:

  • understand fiber optic communications and optical networking technology and standards at the access, metro, and core;
  • apply mathematical optimization techniques to design optical networks with desired characteristics;
  • design algorithms, protocols, and software for optical networks;
  • evaluate the relative merits of alternative design solutions;
  • engage in research in the field of optical networks.

 
Course Requirements  

HOMEWORK: 25%, several assignments during the semester

EXAMINATIONS: 20%, take-home final exam

SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS: C, C++, or Java programming environments

PROJECTS: 25%, literature review
                  30%, two programming projects

IMPORTANT NOTE: The course offered this summer was recorded during the 15-week semester at NC State University. The summer session, however, is 10 weeks in duration. Therefore, students will need to cover the course material at a considerably faster pace than during the regular semester. All course requirements must be completed during the 10-week summer session. This should be a consideration before registering for the course.

 
Textbooks  

B. Mukherjee, Optical WDM Networks, Springer, 2006, ISBN: 0387290559 (required)

 
Computer and Internet Requirements  

NCSU has recommended minimum specifications for computers that are generally used for courses. Those specifications can be found here: http://www.ncsu.edu/it/compspecs/

Engineering Online recommends that your computer meets or exceeds the following minimum specifications below. A computer with greater capability (processor speed, RAM, internet bandwidth, disk capacity) will be more likely to properly display the video content of Engineering Online courses.

Windows:

  • Microsoft Windows XP, Windows 2003, or Windows Vista
  • Intel-compatible 1 GHz processor
  • 512 MB RAM
  • 60 GB hard drive with 1 GB free space available
  • Video display at 1024 x 768 or greater
  • Sound output and speakers
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 SP1 or later, Firefox 2.0 or later, or Google Chrome 1.0
  • Windows Media Player 9.0 or later
  • Real One Player Basic (required for certain courses)
  • Adobe Acrobat Reader
  • Broadband Internet connection (256 Kbps or more)

Mac OS X:

  • Mac OS X 10.4.8 or later
  • G4 processor
  • 512 MB RAM
  • 60 GB hard drive with 1 GB free space available
  • Video display at 1024 x 768 or greater
  • Sound output and speakers
  • Safari 2.0.4 (or later) or Firefox 2.0 (or later)
  • Silverlight  (viewers may be prompted to install this when first viewing a presentation)
  • Real One Player Basic (required for certain courses)
  • Adobe Acrobat Reader
  • Broadband Internet connection (256 Kbps or more)
  • NOTE:  The Flip4Mac plug-in causes problems when viewing Mediasite presentations and should be disabled.

Linux:

  • Playback of Mediasite presentations on Linux is accomplished via the Moonlight Project, an open source implementation of Microsoft Silverlight. For more installation on the installation and configuration of Moonlight, please visit http://www.go-mono.com/moonlight/. The compatible operating systems and browsers are listed on this page.
  • Microsoft Media Pack for Moonlight
  • Adobe Reader for Unix
  • Broadband Internet connection (256 Kbps or more)

 
Instructor  

Dr. George N Rouskas, Professor
Engineering Bldg II (COE II) 3-278, Box 8206
NCSU Campus
Raleigh, NC 27695

Phone: 919-515-3860
Fax: 919-515-7896
EMail: rouskas@ncsu.edu
Instructor Web Site: http://rouskas.csc.ncsu.edu/
Course Website: http://rouskas.csc.ncsu.edu/Courses/778/
Course Syllabus: http://rouskas.csc.ncsu.edu/Courses/778/syllabus.html