CONE is an advanced course focused on modern coherent transmission systems. You’ll learn how to engineer high capacity DWDM networks that use coherent transceivers (e.g., QPSK/16QAM/64QAM), flex grid channel plans and ROADMs. The course develops practical skills for OSNR budgeting, amplifier planning (EDFA and Raman), span design and margin accounting to ensure reliable 100G–800G services and beyond.
Through scenario based exercises, you’ll evaluate trade-offs between spectral efficiency, reach and robustness. You’ll model non linear effects (SPM, XPM, FWM) and apply mitigation strategies via launch power optimisation, gain flattening, dispersion management where appropriate, and filter penalty control. You’ll also cover acceptance testing and commissioning using optical spectrum analysis and end-to-end performance verification.
Features
Key Outcomes
- Design coherent optical links and end-to-end DWDM networks for 100G–800G services
- Build complete OSNR budgets and verify feasibility against vendor specs
- Place and configure EDFAs and Raman amplifiers; manage gain tilt and ASE
- Engineer ROADMs (CDC/flex-grid), account for filter cascades and passband penalties
- Select modulation/FEC schemes to balance reach and capacity
- Evaluate fibre types and manage non linear effects (SPM, XPM, FWM)
- Plan alien wavelength overlays and interop with legacy systems
- Set acceptance criteria and commissioning test plans (OSA based, power & performance checks)
- Document designs with clear power/OSNR/fibre impairment margins
Prerequisites: CONA or equivalent knowledge of optical networking fundamentals.
Course Syllabus
Coherent Systems Fundamentals
- IQ modulation, polarization multiplexing and coherent detection
- DSP for impairment compensation (CD, PMD) and equalisation
- FEC options and net data rates
- OSNR vs. BER/SNR; Q-factor concepts
- Transceiver parameters and interoperability
DWDM & ROADM Architectures
- Fixed vs. flex grid channel plans
- CDC ROADMs, add/drop planning, filter cascades
- Amplifier and filter placement strategies
- Alien wavelength and open line systems
- Super channels and spectrum management
Amplification & OSNR Budgeting
- EDFA types and gain stages; tilt, NF and saturation
- Distributed/Hybrid Raman designs and safety
- Span engineering and margin accounting
- OSNR budgeting across cascaded elements
- Spectral tilt and equalisation (GFF)
Non-Linear Effects & Mitigation
- SPM, XPM, FWM, Raman crosstalk – where they matter
- Launch power optimisation and span design
- Impact of fibre type and effective area
- Filter penalties and passband shaping
- Balancing reach vs. spectral efficiency
Testing & Commissioning
- OSA measurements: channel power, OSNR, ASE and spectral tilt
- Power levels at key points; protection of receivers
- Acceptance testing templates and reporting
- Integration checks with existing infrastructure
- Handover documentation and live monitoring considerations
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