Modeling the Fiber Optic Propagation Channel

The physical layer of high-density multi-wavelength optical networks (DWDM) contains a number of elements of different electrical sizes, that need to be modeled differently by introducing different approximations for their characterization and for representing intra-module electromagnetic and quantum mechanical interactions. Given the complex network and signal environments the validation of models for DWDM networks is rather difficult task.In this work the modeling and simulation of the transmission characteristics of the optical fiber channel is investigated. In DWDM simulation tools the optimization of the “fiber module” presents one of the most challenging problems. Due to the immense computational resources they require rigorous fiber models can not be used in system simulation tools, and one has to resort to different approximate models, all of which are based on the Nonlinear Schroedinger’s Equation (NLSE).. This paper focuses on the effects of the approximations made in obtaining the NLSE and on their impact on the validity of this model.