Passive Optical Networks

2.3.3 Fiber Loss

Optical fiber loss affects the power budget, which limits the physical

distance and splitting ratio that can be achieved in a PON system. Stand-

ard fibers are made of Silica (SiO

2

), the very same material of glass and

sand. Figure 2.6 shows the loss in a Silica optical fiber at different wave-

lengths.

In the short-wavelength region, optical signal loss is limited by Rayleigh

scattering whereas in the long-wavelength region, optical scattering due to lattice

vibrations limits signal loss. Figure 2.6 also shows the names of different optical

bands and their spectral locations. It indicates that the C-band (stands for

conventional band) ...