Network manager's practical introduction to optical networkingWith cheaper bandwidth and greater robustness, optical networking components are looking increasingly tempting - perhaps even mandatory for maintaining your network's competitiveness. In Deploying Optical Networking Components, veteran communications consultant Gil Held utilizes language and terms already familiar to network managers - without overwhelming you with optical science - to help you:* Understand the role of LEDs, lasers, single mode and multimode optical fiber and couplers and amplifiers* Bridge the divide between conventional systems and optical upgrades* Relate optical technologies to existing networks* Evaluate optical components in the context of your existing infrastructure* Apply practical integration and migration techniques in LANs, WANs, and other infrastructure* Familiarize yourself with technical changes in performance measurement, system management, switching technology, support requirements, and other key challenges