High speed fiber optic link design considerations

The design of high-speed optical data links involves a number of factors on which engineering tradeoffs must be made. The author discusses these tradeoffs as applied to modular computer communication links. It is concluded that it is possible to make a very cost-effective, ultrahigh-speed link by utilizing commercial technology. Low-cost 800-nm lasers allow data links operating in the 500-MHz range to be built with high optical power, permitting the use of less expensive multimode fiber, and lower gain receivers.<>