Operation, administration and maintenance systems of the optical fiber loop

The authors discuss the concept of operation, administration, and maintenance (OA&M) systems of the transmission media network in large single-mode (SM) optical fiber loops to be constructed in the next century. The structure of efficient OA&M systems for large-scale networks is described. The optical fiber loop OA&M system has three layers. The functions in these layers are investigated. The characteristics of the optical fiber loop are outlined. The loop has sensors and matrix switches, and it can remotely and automatically be operated, administered, and maintained through a remote switching module, a supervisory module, and an automatic testing module. As the first stage in the introduction of the OA&M systems, the automatic testing system has been developed. This system can realize automatic tests and in-service measurement of optical fibers.<>