Program Overview

Optical Transmission and Networks (ELEC0049)

Key Information

• Faculty: Faculty of Engineering Sciences
• Teaching department: Electronic and Electrical Engineering
• Credit value: 15
• Restrictions: Only available to TMSTELSING01, TMSEENSWOC1, TMSEENSINT01, UMNEENSEEE18, TMREENCEPE19, TMSTELSIGD01, TMRTELSIGD01, UMNEENSINT18, UMNEENWCME18, UMNEENWCOM18, UMNEENWNAN18, CPD and UCL Short Courses.

Alternative Credit Options

There are no alternative credit options available for this module.

Description

This module provides the student with an advanced understanding of the physical layer of optical transmission systems and networks on different time- and length-scales. Optical networks include the description of optical networks as a set of optical links, including the principle of wavelength routing on different timescales (static and dynamic). On optical transmission, the focus is on the elements of analysis and design of point-to-point optically amplified transmission systems as well as access applications. This provides in-depth understanding of optical transmission system design, optical amplifiers and amplified systems, and the operation of wavelength division multiplexed systems. Both linear and nonlinear sources of transmission impairments and their accumulation with distance and interaction with dispersion are analysed. The choice of modulation formats, fibre dispersion, and electronic processing techniques are discussed with the aim of maximising the spectral efficiency, channel capacity, and operating system margins. Optical access networks, SDH/SONET, OTN, software-defined networking (SDN), and data centre interconnect networks are covered. The concepts of routing and wavelength allocation algorithms.

Module Deliveries for 2026/27 Academic Year

Intended Teaching Term: Term 2, Postgraduate (FHEQ Level 7)

Teaching and Assessment

• Mode of study: In person
• Methods of assessment:
  • 80% Exam
  • 20% Coursework
• Mark scheme: Numeric Marks

Other Information

• Number of students on module in previous year: 35
• Module leader: Dr Filipe Marques Ferreira

Intended Teaching Term: Term 2, Undergraduate (FHEQ Level 7)

Teaching and Assessment

• Mode of study: In person
• Methods of assessment:
  • 80% Exam
  • 20% Coursework
• Mark scheme: Numeric Marks

Other Information

• Number of students on module in previous year: 10
• Module leader: Dr Filipe Marques Ferreira

Last Updated

This module description was last updated on 10th March 2026.