Title: Explain synchronous optical network (SONET) and wavelength division multiplexing (WDM).
Course: Telecommunications II (1006-II) > Section: Working with Fiber-Optic Cables

Explanation should include

- defining the term SONET—a technology standard that defines optical signals and a synchronous frame structure for multiplexed digital traffic
- defining the term WDM—a technique for increasing the bandwidth of optical network communication by putting data from different sources together on an optical fiber, but at different wavelengths
- understanding the factors involved in the use of each.

Process/Skill Questions:

- What Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) layer would best describe where SONET resides?
- What are the implications of using SONET vs. WDM?
- What is DWDM, and how does it differ from WDM?
- What format employs multiple light wavelengths to transmit signals over a single optical fiber?