VALLIAMMAI ENGINEERING COLLEGE

SRM Nagar, Kattankulathur – 603 203

DEPARTMENT OF
ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION ENGINEERING

QUESTION BANK

I SEMESTER

CU5192 – OPTICAL NETWORKS

Regulation – 2017

Academic Year 2017 – 18

Prepared by

Mrs. Mercy Subaraman, Assistant Professor (O.G)/ECE

ON_CU5192_MercySubaraman, A.P (O.G)

 VALLIAMMAI ENGINEERING COLLEGE
SRM Nagar, Kattankulathur – 603 203.

DEPARTMENT OF ECE

QUESTION BANK
SUBJECT : OPTICAL NETWORKS
SEM / YEAR: M.E-Communication Systems/Sem-I

UNIT-I: INTRODUCTION TO OPTICAL NETWORKS

Introduction to Optical Networks: Telecommunications Networks Architecture, Services, circuit switching and
packet switching, Optical Networks: Multiplexing Techniques, Second generation Optical Networks, Optical
Packet Switching, Transmission Basics: Wavelength, frequencies, and channel spacing, Wavelength standards,
Optical power and loss, Network Evolution, Nonlinear Effects: Self-phase Modulation, Cross-phase
Modulation, Four Wave mixing, Solitons. Components: Couplers, Isolators and Circulators, Multiplexers and
Filters, Optical Amplifiers, Transmitters, Detectors, Switches, Wavelength Converters.
PART – A
Q.No Questions BT Competence
1. List the advantages and disadvantages of optical Level Remembering
BTL 1
communication.
2. Assess the need for couplers and isolators. BTL 4 Analyzing
3. Outline the non-linear effects in WDM systems. BTL 2 Understanding
4. Enumerate the relationship between frequency spacing and Remembering
BTL 1
wavelength spacing.
5. Narrate the characteristics of Solitons along with its Remembering
advantage. BTL 1
6. Discuss about wavelength converters. BTL 2 Understanding
7. Why is erbium used in EDFA? BTL6 Creating
8. Infer the phenomenon which determines the bandwidth of an Analyzing
BTL 4
EDFA.
9. Demonstrate the function of coupler. BTL 3 Applying
10. Name and describe two major classes of filters. BTL 1 Remembering
11. Illustrate the characteristics of optical filters. BTL 3 Applying
12. What are the factors that determine the transmission distance Remembering
BTL 1
in optical fibres?
13. Explain the function of circulators. BTL 4 Analyzing
14. Enumerate the features and applications of Solitons. BTL 1 Remembering
15. Analyze the functional types of optical amplifier. BTL 5 Evaluating
16. Summarize the effects of Crosstalk in SOA. BTL 2 Understanding
17. Describe a FP filter. BTL 2 Understanding
18. Investigate the functions of core and cladding in an
optical fiber.Why their refractive indexes are different? BTL6
Creating
Which one has to be greater and why?
19. Demonstrate the term ‘State of Polarization’. BTL 3 Applying
20. Evaluate extinction ratio. BTL 5 Evaluating

ON_CU5192_MercySubaraman, A.P (O.G)

 PART – B
1. i) Explain the architecture of a terrestrial network in detail. Analyzing
(6)
ii) Analyze the functions of the following optical components. BTL 4
a) Three port circulator. (4)
b) Electro-optical directional coupler (3)
2. i) Discuss the characteristics of EDFA optical amplifier in Analyzing
detail. Derive its gain expression and mention its potential
amplifications. (8) BTL4
ii) Analyze how stimulation emission occurs in an EDFA.
(5)
3. i) Summarize the main categories of nonlinear effects that Understanding
occur in optical communication systems. (8)
BTL2
ii) Describe the methods to suppress the cross talk in optical
networks. (5)
4. i) Frame the different types of filtering used in optical Applying
Networks. (8)
BTL3
ii) Demonstrate the different types of optical switching
technologies. (5)
5. i) Explain the principle of operation of a 2*2 fiber optic coupler
with a diagram. Derive its design equations. (8) BTL4 Analyzing
ii) Illustrate the difference between circuit-switched and
packet-switched networks along with its multiplexing
technique. (5)
6. Enumerate how wavelength conversion can be used in fiber Remembering
networks using
a) Optoelectronic approach (4) BTL 1
b) Optical grating (3)
c) Interferometric Techniques (3)
d) Wave mixing (3)
7. i) Demonstrate two complementary methods to increase the Applying
transmission capacity of a network. (8)
ii) Frame the architecture of a wavelength routing network BTL3
and explain its key elements. (5)
8. i) Generalize the principle of operation of a semiconductor Understanding
optical amplifier (SOA) with a neat diagram. (8)
BTL2
ii) Describe the structure of an EDFA & explain the function
of each component. (5)
9. Outline the features and applications of Remembering
i) Optical Amplifiers (8) BTL 1
ii) Optical switches. (5)
10. i) Evaluate in the detail about Bragg gratings. (8)
BTL5 Evaluating
ii) Determine the key features of Fiber gratings. (5)
11. Discuss in detail about
i) Mach-Zehnder Interferometers. (8) BTL2 Understanding
ii) The high channel count multiplexer architectures. (5)

ON_CU5192_MercySubaraman, A.P (O.G)

 12. i) Label the architecture of Arrayed waveguide grating. (5)
ii) State the principle of operation of Arrayed waveguide BTL 1 Remembering
grating. (8)
13. Enumerate the following phenomena’s along with the principle
of operation with the help of suitable diagrams:
BTL 1 Remembering
i) The Transmission grating (8)
ii) Reflection grating (5)
14. i) Investigate the special features of Self -Phase Modulation
and Cross-Phase modulation with necessary equations. (8)
BTL6 Creating
ii) Elaborate the principle of operation of Isolators along with
necessary diagram. (5)
PART – C
i) Evaluate the functionalities of an optical packet switching node
with a neat diagram. (5)
1. ii) Provide an overview of an optical fiber transmission system BTL5 Evaluating
and explain in detail about single mode and multimode fiber.
(10)
i) Elaborate the theory of Soliton propagation, with diagrams.(6)
ii) Design a tunable micro-electro mechanical vertical cavity
2. surface emitting laser which can overcome the challenges that we BTL6 Creating
faced in realising long wavelength VCSEL’s. (9)
Determine the various ways to transmit different wavelengths
3. efficiently using the concept of Etalon and also explain its BTL5 Evaluating
operation. (15)
Design an acousto-optic tunable filter and explain its power
4. BTL6
transfer function along with necessary equations. (15) Creating
UNIT-II: TRANSMISSION SYSTEM ENGINEERING
Transmission System Engineering: System Model, Power Penalty, Transmitter, Receiver, Optical
Amplifiers, Crosstalk, Dispersion, Wavelength Stabilization, Overall Design Considerations. Optical
Internets: Migration to IP optical networking, IP and Optical backbone, IP Routing table, MPLS and
optical cross connect table, Protocol stack Alternatives, Internetworking SS7 and Legacy Transport,
Internet transport network protocol stack.
PART – A
Q.No Questions BT Competence
1. What is wavelength stabilization? BTL
Level1 Remembering
2. Define laser relative intensity noise. BTL 1 Remembering
3. Analyze the key design parameters of a transmitter. BTL 1 Remembering
Explain how the different internet nodes interwork with each BTL 4 Analyzing
4.
other.
BTL5 Evaluating
5. Estimate the different types of pumping in EDFA configurations.
Mention the equation used for calculating power penalty when BTL 1 Remembering
6.
noise is independent of signal power.
7. Summarize the concept of optical cross connect. BTL2 Understanding
8. Define soliton trapping gate. BTL 1 Remembering
9. Infer the impact of transparency in optical networks. BTL 4 Analyzing
10. Discuss the various types of Optical amplifiers BTL 2 Understanding
11. Describe the two types of cross talk. BTL 2 Understanding

ON_CU5192_MercySubaraman, A.P (O.G)

 BTL4 Analyzing
12. Label a probable migration scenario to IP Optical Networking.
13. What is dispersion? BTL 1 Remembering
Formulate the three models for interconnection for IP over BTL 6 Creating
14.
optical networks.
Illustrate the spectral width of SLM DFB lasers and directly BTL 3 Applying
15.
modulating a DFB laser.
Which are the factors that help us to decide the type of fiber to be BTL 6 Creating
16.
used?
17. Demonstrate the principle of a wavelength locker. BTL3 Applying
Determine the modes of operation of a laser and mention the BTL 5 Evaluating
18.
range of its drive current.
19. Show how bit interleaved multiplexing is performed. BTL3 Applying
20. Summarize the key parameters related to a transmitter and BTL 2 Understanding
receiver.
PART B
1. Label an example of an optical backbone network that supports BTL 1 Remembering
IP and lambda forwarding along with subnets and its support of
non optical nodes. (13)
2. Discuss the following considerations involved in the overall BTL 3 Applying
design of a network:
a) Transmitter &Transmission system (4)
b) Receiver (2)
c) Cross talk and Wavelength stabilization. (7)
3. i) Illustrate in detail about power transients. (8) BTL 3 Applying
ii) Demonstrate about ”Lasing Loop” problem which
occurs in ring networks. (5)
4. i) Describe the two forms of crosstalk that arise in WDM Understanding
BTL 2
systems. (8)
ii) Discuss the different types of approaches used for
crosstalk reduction. (5)
5. Write short notes on Chromatic Dispersion Limits Remembering
a) NRZ modulation (8) BTL 1
b) RZ modulation (5)
6. Estimate the power penalty of two systems which has the same BTL 5 Evaluating
peak transmit power. (13)
7. i) Analyze in detail about the different fiber types. (06) BTL 4 Analyzing
ii) Discuss about transmit power and amplifier spacing. (07)
8. Illustrate in detail about the MPLS and Optical Cross connect BTL 2 Understanding
table. (13)
9. With the help of a neat diagram, explain the operation of a Understanding
bidirectional transmission system and also mention the use of an
BTL2
optical circulator which is used for separating their directions.
(13)
10. Enumerate the different methods inco-operated in WDM link BTL 1 Remembering
employing chromatic dispersion compensating fiber. (13)
11. Write about the different components of a unidirectional WDM BTL6 Creating
Link with the help of a neat block diagram. (13)
12. Summarize the entities which are involved in internet transport BTL 4 Analyzing
network protocol stack. (13)

ON_CU5192_MercySubaraman, A.P (O.G)

 13. i) Explain the power penalty in optical network design. (08) BTL 4 Analyzing
ii) Point out the important characteristics of Amplifier
spacing penalty. (05)
14. i) State the important criteria for wavelength planning. (08) BTL 1 Remembering
ii) Mention the reasons about the difficulties of
designing networks than designing point to point links. (05)
PART – C
1. Estimate the steps to reduce switch cross talk using
a) Spatial dilation (08) BTL 5 Evaluating
b) Wavelength dilation (07)
2. Elaborate
a) The working principle of any one optical amplifier with a neat BTL 6 Creating
diagram. (08)
b) Design a system with cascaded optical amplifiers and show
the plot of Power versus amplifier spacing. (07)
3. Determine the effect of unequal amplifier gains at different
wavelengths and discuss the gain saturation in EDFA’s. (15) BTL 5 Evaluating
4. Compare the limitations due to intermodal dispersion, chromatic
dispersion and polarization mode dispersion and explain in detail BTL 6 Creating
about the operation of polarization mode dispersion. (15)

UNIT-III: SONET, SDH AND OPTICAL TRANSPORT NETWORKS (OTNS)

SONET, SDH and Optical Transport Networks (OTNs): SONET and SDH: SONET multiplexing hierarchy, Frame
structure, Functional Component, problem detection, concatenation. Architecture of Optical Transport Networks
(OTNs): Digital wrapper, in-band and out-of band control signalling, Importance of Multiplexing and multiplexing
hierarchies, SONET multiplexing hierarchies, SDH multiplexing hierarchies, New Optical Transport, OTN layered
Model, Generic Framing Procedure (GFP)
PART – A
Q.No Questions BT Level Competence
1. Define SONET and SDH. BTL 1 Remembering
2. Describe the problems faced by Plesiochronous digital hierarchy. BTL 4 Analyzing
Compare synchronous and asynchronous multiplexing with the help of Analyzing
3. a diagram.
BTL 4
How the SONET/SDH avoided the problem of connecting vendor’s Remembering
4. equipment over transmission link?
BTL 1

5. Enumerate the functionality of generic framing procedure. BTL 1 Remembering

6. Outline the layers of SONET/SDH standards. BTL 2 Understanding
7. Illustrate the functional components of SONET. BTL 3 Applying
8. Mention the six failures that could occur in a link or a node. BTL 1 Remembering
9. Illustrate an optical add/drop multiplexer. BTL 3 Applying
10. Determine the major components of SDH. BTL 5 Evaluating
11. Describe the operation of In-band signalling. BTL 2 Understanding
12. Summarize the purpose of ISDN in networks. BTL 2 Understanding
Estimate what would happen if an optical node is not capable of O/E/O Evaluating
13. operations?
BTL 5

14. Summarize the operation of SONET/SDH. BTL 2 Understanding

ON_CU5192_MercySubaraman, A.P (O.G)

15. Propose the importance of multiplexing and its hierarchies. BTL 6 Creating
16. Label SONET multiplexing and mapping hierarchy. BTL 1 Remembering
17. Draw the different parts of OTN Multiplexing hierarchy. BTL 4 Analyzing
18. Define control plane. BTL 1 Remembering
Creating
19. Deduce the idea behind the digital wrapper. BTL 6
20. Demonstrate the comparison of signalling systems. BTL 3 Applying
PART-B
1. Analyse the SONET/SDH standards for the following: Analyzing
i) Multiplexing Structure (8) BTL 4
ii) Frame Structure (5)
2. Determine the major functional components of Evaluating
i) SONET Link (7) BTL 5
ii)SDH Link (6)
3. Deduce the idea of digital wrapper with the help of a neat diagram.
(13) BTL6 Creating
4. Describe about control plane and data plane along with their
relationship. (13) BTL2 Understanding
5. i) Analyze the problems faced by second generation digital transport
networks. (8) Analyzing
ii)Explain the approach of third generation digital transport networks. BTL 4
(5)
6. Illustrate in detail the rules and actions used for detection of problems
and failure on a link through SONET and SDH. (13) BTL 3 Applying
7. i)Describe what would happen if the signalling link fails? (5)
ii) Summarize the importance of multiplexing and its hierarchies in a Understanding
network. (8) BTL2

8. Mention the details of SONET and SDH Multiplexing hierarchy with a

detailed diagram. (13) BTL1 Remembering
9. i)How to concatenate three STS-1s into one STS-3c frame? (3)
ii) Demonstrate the difference between Inband and Out-of-band control Applying
signalling. (10) BTL3

10. Enumerate the levels of ODUk multiplexing used in New Optical

Transport Network and also explain its multiplexing method. (13) BTL1 Remembering
11. Explain the revised SDH transport hierarchy with a neat diagram. (13) BTL 4 Analysing
12. Mention in detail the layered model of SONET/SDH Layered model Remembering
BTL1
and explain their function. (13)
13. Describe the functions of a digital wrapper layer and explain how the
BTL2 Understanding
layered model is more elaborate than SONET/SDH layered model.(13)
14. List out the ways through which the user payload can be encapsulated
into an optical payload unit. (13) BTL1 Remembering
PART-C
1. Elaborate the arrangement for a full functionality stack and reduced
functionality stack with detailed diagram. (15) BTL 5 Evaluating
2. Deduce the relationship of generic framing procedure with clients and
optical transport paths along with its frame structure with the help of a BTL6 Creating
neat diagram. (15)
3. Evaluate the common aspects of generic framing procedure and also
discuss about its client –specific aspects. (15) BTL5 Evaluating

ON_CU5192_MercySubaraman, A.P (O.G)

 4. Explain about the benefits of using SONET/SDH compared to other
networks. (15) BTL6 Creating

UNIT-IV: WDM, NETWORK TOPOLOGIES, MPLS AND OPTICAL NETWORKS

WDM operation, Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM), Erbium-doped Fiber (EDF), WDM
amplifiers, Add-Drop Multiplexers, Wavelength Continuity Property, Higher dispersion for DWDM, Tunable
DWDM Lasers.
PART – A
Q.No Questions BT Level Competence
1. Mention the basic principle behind the WDM . BTL 1 Remembering
2. Draw the generalized view of an optical ADM. BTL 1 Remembering
When does a WDM light wave satisfies the wavelength continuity Creating
3. property?
BTL6

4. Discuss about WDM Cross-Connects. BTL2 Understanding

5. Label the topology of a conventional optical TDM System. BTL 1 Remembering
6. How are the erbium doped fiber deployed in an optical network? BTL 3 Applying
7. Design an optical amplifier that can be used in a WDM. BTL 6 Creating
Determine how Nortel Network calculates the adjusted system loss Evaluating
8. budget in a network.
BTL5

9. Why WDM Network is called so? BTL 1 Remembering

10. Discuss about Erbium doped fiber. BTL2 Understanding

Illustrate channel spacing in networks. Analyze about Advanced Applying
11. NZDF.
BTL 3

Show the relationship of a SONET/SDH to WDM with the help of Understanding

12. necessary diagram.
BTL 2

13. How Tunable Lasers are found to be useful? BTL 4 Analyzing

Remembering
14. Write an example of WDM Link. BTL 1

Analyze a complementary method to increase the capacity of a Analyzing

15. DWDM System.
BTL 4

16. List out the prime job of WDM Cross Connects. BTL 1 Remembering
Discuss the allowable range of chromatic dispersion so that the Understanding
17. receiver end will be not changed.
BTL 2

18. Analyze the reason behind gain flatness in an optical amplifier. BTL 4 Analyzing
19. Demonstrate an OXC with the help of a functional diagram. BTL 3 Applying
Determine the use of an equalization filter in Optical networks. Evaluating
20. BTL 5
PART B
1. Discuss about the operation of the WDM in optical networks with the
help of a neat diagram. (13) BTL 2 Understanding
2. i)Discuss the relationship of WDM to SONET/SDH. (7)
ii)Summarize about Erbium doped fiber. (6) BTL 1 Remembering
3. Compare the topology of TDM and WDM based topologies with the
help of a neat diagram. (13) BTL 4 Analysing

ON_CU5192_MercySubaraman, A.P (O.G)

 4. Explain the use of optical amplifiers in a WDM Transmission System Understanding
and discuss about gain flatness. (13) BTL 2
5. Summarize about Add/Drop Multiplexers with the help of a the neat
diagram. (13) BTL 2 Understanding
6. Illustrate a general view about WDM Crossconnects. (13) BTL 3 Applying
7. Explain the higher dispersion for DWDM. (13) BTL 4 Analyzing
8. How to determine the frequency and the wavelength spacings in a BTL 4 Analyzing
WDM Link with necessary diagram. (13) BTL 4 Analyzing
9. Elaborate about Dense wave division multiplexing, TDM and WDM
Optical System with a neat diagram. (13) BTL 5 Evaluating
10. With a neat label, organize the network elements in such a way
which shows that SDH/SONET layers operate over the WDM Layer. BTL 1 Remembering
(13)
11. Illustrate how does wavelength add-drop multiplexer supports the
management of fiber capacity ? (13) BTL3 Applying
12. Design a DWDM wavelength plan with a neat diagram. (13) BTL6 Creating
13. With a neat diagram, explain how to reduce the chromatic dispersion BTL1 Remembering
in a Nortel network. (13)
14. Enumerate the importance of Advanced NZDF,its dispersion rate BTL 1 Remembering
and the way it reduces the non linearities. (13)
PART C
1. Elaborate the ways of managing a WDM Channel at the ADM. (15) BTL5 Evaluating
2. Explain how WDM allowed optical networks to increase the capacity BTL6 Creating
and also write the difference between Frequency division and
Wavelength division Multiplexing. (15)
3. Elaborate the working ,uses and Applications of Wavelength division BTL5 Evaluating
multiplexing. (15)
4. Deduce the importance of scalable DWDM systems in enabling service BTL6 Creating
providers to accommodate consumer demand for ever increasing
amount of bandwidth. (15)

UNIT-V: NETWORK TOPOLOGIES AND PROTECTION SCHEMES

Robust networks, Line and path protection switching, Types of topology, Point to point topology, bi-directional
line-switched ring (BLSR), meshed topology, Passive optical networks, Metro optical networks 28 MPLS and
Optical Networks: IS label switching, Forwarding equivalence class (FEC), Types of MPLS nodes, Label
distribution and binding, label swapping and traffic forwarding, MPLS support of Virtual Private Networks (VPN),
MPLS traffic engineering, Multi protocol Lambda switching (MPIS).
PART – A
Q.No Questions BT Level Competence
1 What does the term diversity refers to? BTL 1 Remembering
2 Mention the different kinds of protection switching. BTL 1 Remembering
3 Deduce the meaning of working fiber. BTL6 Creating
4 Label Point to point topology. BTL2 Understanding
5. Mention Constraint based label distribution protocol. BTL 1 Remembering
Illustrate the factors upon which an optical network topology depends BTL 3 Applying
6. upon?
7. Design a Label Stacking in a VPN. BTL 6 Creating
Evaluate the function of line protection and path protection BTL5 Evaluating
8. switching.
9. Mention protection fiber. BTL 1 Remembering

ON_CU5192_MercySubaraman, A.P (O.G)

 Describe the different functions of Traffic engineering in MPLS BTL2 Understanding
10. environment.
11. How can we protect the extra traffic in a network? BTL 3 Applying
12. Discuss about label merging. BTL 2 Understanding
13. Analyze the objectives of traffic engineering. BTL 4 Analyzing
14. Tell about Virtual Private Networks. BTL 1 Remembering
15. Explain the functionalities of MPLS nodes. BTL 4 Analyzing
16. List the benefits of Bidirectional line switched ring. BTL 1 Remembering
Summarize the relationship between OXC and MPLS Operations BTL 2 Understanding
17. with the help of a diagram.
18. Analyze the attributes that are associated with traffic trunk. BTL 4 Analyzing
19. Illustrate about adaptivity attributes. BTL 3 Applying
Elaborate what would happen if a fiber terminates on a device which BTL 5 Evaluating
20. acts both as an OXC an an IP router.
PART B
1. i)Describe the two different types of protection switching BTL 2 Understanding
scheme. (7)
ii)Discuss the different network topologies and their attributes
with the help of necessary diagram. (6)
2. i)Mention in detail about Point To Point Topology with the BTL1 Remembering
help of a neat diagram. (5)
ii)Write about 1:N Protection Channel Sharing and the
different options that can be implemented to protect the
extra traffic. (8)
3. i)Show how the parallel links are concatenated together in BTL1 Remembering
optical channels. (7)
ii)Tell about
extra traffic. the messages that can be send between the nodes
if all sub channels are operating without any problems. (6)
4. Draw the architecture of a bidirectional line switched ring and BTL1 Remembering
explain its working. (13)
5. Enumerate the way through which a four fiber BLSR recovers BTL1 Remembering
from a loss of connectivity between the fiber nodes. (13)
6. Describe Meshed topology and explain the traffic flow with BTL 2 Understanding
the help of necessary diagrams. (13)
7. i)Summarize the key elements of PON Technology. (6) BTL 2 Understanding
ii) Discuss the scope of Optical Ethernets and Ethernet PONs.
(7)
8. i)Illustrate about label switching and the reasons for using BTL 3 Applying
label switching. (8)
ii)Demonstrate about Metro Optical Networking. (5)
9. i)Show how does the MPLS nodes perform with a neat BTL 3 Applying
diagram. (8)
ii)Explain about the forwarding equivalence class. (5)
10. Analyze about the principle of Label Distribution and BTL 4 Analyzing
Binding. (13)
11. Describe the relationship of OXC and MPLS Operations with BTL 4 Analyzing
a detailed diagram. (13)
12. Explain about MPLS and Optical wavelength correlation. (13) BTL 4 Analyzing
13. Elaborate about the Multiprotocol lambda based switching . BTL 5 Evaluating
(13)

ON_CU5192_MercySubaraman, A.P (O.G)

14. i)Deduce the requirements need for TE support in an MPLS BTL 6 Creating
Network. (7)
ii)Propose an aspect where a node becomes O/E/O mode. (6)
PART –C
1. Evaluate Label swapping and traffic forwarding. (15) BTL5 Evaluating
2. Plan bout the support of MPLS for Virtual Private Networks. BTL6 Creating
(15)
3. Organize the details of MPLS Traffic Engineering and traffic BTL6 Creating
oriented performance. (15)
4. i)Determine the operations of MPLS and Optical Control BTL5 Evaluating
planes. (7)
ii)Deduce about Traffic trunks,Traffic flows and Label
switched paths. (8)

ON_CU5192_MercySubaraman, A.P (O.G)