Optical access and transport networks: advances in standards and services [Series Editorial]

The global telecommunications industry entered the year 2011 with estimates of a shrinking 2010 optical communications equipment market. However, the largest global optical communications conference of its kind, OFC/NFOEC 2011, held in Los Angeles, California, during the first week of March 2011, displayed an upbeat mood for the industry with attendance that exceeded 11,000, and represented increased participation in both the technical conference and the exhibit. All segments of the industry from service providers to large systems and components suppliers, and academic and industrial R&D organizations were represented in a variety of conference venues.