Optical monitoring techniques for WDM networks

Future optical networks are envisioned to be dynamically reconfigurable-the optical channels are added/dropped or cross-connected frequently in the optical layer using wavelength-division-multiplexing (WDM) technologies. For the efficient operation and maintenance of these network, however, it is essential to monitor various parameters including the wavelength, optical power, optical signal-to-noise ratios, optical paths, etc. In this paper, we review the current status of WDM monitoring techniques and introduce the relevant research activities at KAIST.